Various Artists - Gomma Dancefloor Gems Vol. 3 [Toy Tonics]

TOY TONICS continues to re-release the best tracks from GOMMA RECORDS, the German label that, between 2001 and 2015, was one of the key references for the much-acclaimed indie dance, new wave funk, and proto disco sound of the era (alongside James Murphy’s DFA, Trevor Jackson’s Output Records, and later Ed Banger Records). The Y2K sound, which is now starting to be in demand again.

Gomma's most important releases were from artists such as Peaches, WhoMadeWho, The Rammellzee, James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem, and Nick McCarthy of Franz Ferdinand. Tracks by these artists appeared on the first two parts of the GOMMA DANCEFLOOR GEMS compilation series released by Toy Tonics.

Now comes a third part of this compilation featuring music from Dimitri from Paris, who also released several EPs on Gomma during the 2000s. Also included are the legendary Belgian disco DJs The Glimmers (who released an album on Gomma in 2008), UK icon Justin Robertson, aka The Deadstock 33’s, and an early release from Daniel Avery (also on Gomma at the time). You'll find remixes by Nicky Siano (legendary Studio 54 DJ) and Horse Meat Disco, who were just beginning their party series back then and were already connected with Gomma Records.

A highlight is an amazing flamenco-disco track by Spanish producer Hugo Capablanca alongside T. Keeler, which was a hit with DJs like Optimo and Ivan Smagghe at the time. Also featured are the Italian duo The Barking Dogs, with fashion designer Marcelo Burlon, delivering a catchy electro-pop track. Of course, there's also Munk, the founder of Gomma Records. Munk is Mathias Modica, who, as you know, has been working under the name Kapote for some years now. He co-founded Gomma and later Toy Tonics Records. Toy Tonics started in 2013 as a sub-label of Gomma but eventually surpassed it. Gomma officially closed in 2015.

Gomma was not only a record label but also a home for cutting-edge design, daring T-shirt styles, underground exhibitions with new artists from the Berlin scene, and crazy graphic design on posters and fanzines.

Gomma not only preceded many musical trends by experimenting with club music and mixing different styles, but it was also highly respected for its graphic work. One could even say that they started several graphic design trends that have been seen in recent years on posters and covers. Many current record labels and streetwear brands somewhat resemble the style that Gomma already had.

Gomma's visual universe was showcased in several exhibitions around the world, including a major exhibition at the Haus der Kunst Museum in Munich, before the label closed in 2015.