Category: IDM

Caribou’s “Swim” Turns 10

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On this day in 2010 producer Dan Snaith released Swim under his “Caribou” moniker. This album found Snaith departing almost entirely from the “Neo-psychedelic” nature of his previous album Andorra, incorporating various sounds and production techniques associated with “House” music due to his growing interest in “Electronic” music. However, his attention to experimental detail is still present throughout this record as he combined the danceable sensibilities of minimal House with flute, guitar, and the reverbed effects that dominated Andorra.” Elaborating on the album’s title, Snaith has stated that he wanted the album to have a fluid sound to it, which he definitely achieved. This album can also be considered the quintessential album when it comes to his complete dive into “Electronic” music not only with “Caribou,” but also his second project he developed called “Daphni.” This album was a massive turning point for Snaith, and is one of the best “Electronic” albums of the 2010’s. Happy Anniversary!

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Nicolas Jaar Announces New “Against All Logic” Album, Shares New E.P. and Mix

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Nicolas Jaar under his “Against All Logic” moniker is set to release a new album on February 7th titled 2017 – 2019 via “Other People.” This will be a follow-up to his previous album 2012 – 2017. Yes we have to wait a whole week to hear the album, but don’t worry, we don’t have to wait a whole week to hear new “Against All Logic” music. Today Jaar released a new two-song E.P. titled Illusions of Shameless Abundance which features Lydia Lunch, FKA Twigs, and Estado Unido, as well as a 50 minute mix. Illusions of Shameless Abundance is available now on all streaming platforms.

2017 – 2019 Tracklist:

1. Fantasy
2. If Loving You Is Wrong
3. With an Addict
4. If You Can’t Do It Good, Do It Hard (ft. Lydia Lunch)
5. Alarm
6. Deeeeeeefers
7. Faith
8. Penny
9. You (Forever)

Album Review: Matmos – Plastic Anniversary

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Artist: Matmos 

Album: Plastic Anniversary 

Genre: IDM/Experimental/Electronic 

Label: Thrill Jockey Records 

Rating: 7.5/10

Just about any object can be used as an instrument. Anything that makes a sound can be utilized in a musical composition. ANYTHING. A washing machine, recordings of bovine uteruses, sperm hitting paper, audio of plastic surgeries, you name it, and though these sound like absurd examples, guess what? Someone has sampled all of these things in their music. “Matmos” is their name, a duo and married couple that produce music comprised of field recordings. The duo have been doing this since the late 90’s with a different theme for each album, creating dark and often surprisingly catchy tunes made up of nothing but field recordings. Their unorthodox approach to recording music has garnered acclaim, and considering how this approach to music could easily become a gimmick or novelty, it’s impressive how they’ve kept our attention after all these years. So what’s the next theme for their new album? Plastic. Oh plastic, how would civilization survive without it? Humans love convenience, and though it’s destroying our environment, we just can’t live without it, because the majority of our products are comprised of the plastic, and of course, “Matmos” have utilized a myriad of plastic objects to create their new album Plastic Anniversary. This album isn’t just the two banging on plastic objects creating only a percussive nature in the vain of “Stomp,” the countless plastic objects are sequenced and manipulated to create loops and layers upon layers of sounds that take the roles of rhythm, melody, and atmosphere. Many plastic objects are utilized like the breaking of vinyl on the opening track “Breaking Bread,” the use of pill capsules and the eerie and ominous tones the two get out of them on the track “The Crying Pill,” and the most captivating of all, the primal sounds created using riot shields which are scraped and banged on on the track “Thermoplastic Riot Shield.” Matmos cleverly show us all how anything can be an instrument. Everything from billiard balls to plastic horns, and the two impressively create whole melodic compositions that aren’t just a bunch of noise. That’s their forte. Field recordings have been used far before “Matmos” came along, but no one has ever utilized this recording method quite like them. Their music is incredibly innovative and they always think outside the box, finding new ways to create music using unorthodox instruments. If they can make you dance to a washing machine, then i’d say they’re IDM’s biggest innovators.

Written By: Steven Sandoval 

Date: 03/20/19

 

 

 

Matmos Share Two New Music Videos

AD30B1EA-83D3-4681-9E8E-5E4CE582C6B4The masters of field recordings, “Matmos” are set to release their new album Plastic Anniversary on March 15th. The album’s instrumentation consists of sounds of various plastic objects. Why? Well, it’s “Matmos,” that’s why. Who else can make you groove to washing machine sounds? The duo have shared two brand new music videos for the tracks “Breaking Bread” and “Thermosplastic Riot Shield” off the upcoming album, and in true “Matmos” fashion, the duo’s imaginative talent has found a way to make you dance to unorthodox instrumentation. You can watch the videos below: