TV-99-AD are Pieter Lub, Paul van der Lubbe and Hans Veneman. A trio of Lelystad-based friends who, back in the mid-90s, released a handful of tracks on legendary Netherlands techno label, Eevo Lute Muzique. Initially calling it quits at the end of the decade, in 2022 they reunited and activated a Bandcamp page. This brought their work to the attention of Tokyo’s FORM@ RECORDS, resulting in this collection of previously unreleased archival cuts. 

In keeping with the Japanese imprint’s classic IDM aesthetic the music consists of intricate electronica, with beats that tend to move toward funky electro. Mixing emotive synthetic swells and strings with syncopated metallic snares and cymbals. Complex compositions / constructions that often shift at a considerable clip. “Angst”, for instance, is pacy, propulsive futuristic jazz-funk, with “Sea Snake” bass and a `70s Sci-Fi theme melody. Ready to rock a dance floor, just like Global Communications’ Jedi Knights spin-off. “Kess” hits more sinister. Dovetailed with darting melodic details, and icy elements that mimic Robert Smith’s gothic, glacial guitar. In its original mix, “Techno Release” is a tad tribal, but this too gets a dark, booming, rattling TR-808 electro remix from sometime labelmate SpaceTime’s Darren Nye.

Tunes such as “Vertiform” have an industrial / EBM rigidity, coming across like the lovechild of bleep techno and John Carpenter’s film scores. “Fakihr” boasts a great, grungy B-line, reminiscent of Fade To Black’s “The Calling”, and a moody, menacing, Middle Eastern edge that recalls Master C&J’s Chicago house. “Current” has spoken samples and ambient textures collide with bruising Tackhead-like programming. “The Banana Boat Song”, though, comparatively, is a sonic oasis. A slow, serene tropics of chants, percussion and cuica squeaks set to the rhythm of a resting heart. 

TV-99-AD’s Sounds from the Sea Bottom can be ordered directly from Form@ Records.