Album Review: Electronicat – Electronicat
Alright, let’s talk about Electronicat, the self-titled debut album by French electronic wizard(s?) Electronicat. Released in 1999 under the Noise Museum label, this record is a wild ride through Industrial grit, Trip-Hop vibes, and some seriously experimental Club/Dance grooves. If you’re into stuff that feels like it was made in a dimly lit basement with a lot of gear and even more attitude, this one’s for you.
First off, shoutout to Cécile Babiole for the artwork—it’s got that late ‘90s cyberpunk-meets-rave aesthetic that just screams “I’m mysterious but also kinda fun.” And Eric Wonterghem on mastering? Solid call. The sound is crisp without losing that raw edge. It’s like they took all the chaos and somehow made it work.
Now onto the tracks. I’ll be honest, there’s a lot here—11 tracks total—but two really stuck with me: “Hot Spectrum” and “Blob Me Babe.”
“Hot Spectrum” kicks things off with this eerie, pulsing beat that feels like you’re walking through an abandoned factory at night. You know those moments when you hear something and your brain goes, “Wait…is this music or am I being haunted?” Yeah, that’s this track. But then, outta nowhere, these lush synth pads swoop in, and suddenly it’s not scary anymore—it’s kinda beautiful. Like, whoa, how did we get here? That contrast keeps you hooked.
Then there’s “Blob Me Babe,” which is just...weirdly addictive. It’s got this slinky bassline paired with chopped-up vocal samples that feel like they shouldn’t fit together but totally do. Every time I listen to it, I find myself zoning out and imagining some neon-lit dance floor in Paris where everyone’s wearing silver jumpsuits. Is that what 1999 club kids were doing? Probably not, but hey, it works for me.
The rest of the album has its charm too—like “Twilight,” which sounds exactly how twilight feels (you know, that moody in-between vibe), and “Disco Pillow,” which is as ridiculous as it sounds. Honestly, though, the whole thing feels like a love letter to experimentation. Nothing here is polished to perfection, and that’s what makes it so damn cool.
So yeah, Electronicat. It’s messy, unpredictable, and occasionally straight-up bonkers—but isn’t that what good electronic music should be? Sometimes it drags, sure, but when it clicks, it REALLY clicks.
Oh, random thought before I wrap this up: Did anyone else notice how “La Petit Homme Vert” and “Le Petit Homme Vert” are basically the same title except for the article? Like, was that intentional or just a happy accident? Either way, it made me chuckle. Anyway, check this album out if you want something that’ll mess with your head in the best possible way.
