Album Review: A Faustian Farmyard by Endgame
If you're into the weird, the wonky, and the downright experimental side of electronic music, Endgame's A Faustian Farmyard is one hell of a ride. Released in 2006 on the UK-based Auricle label, this album dives headfirst into abstract, industrial, and experimental vibes that feel like they were cooked up in some sort of dystopian barnyard rave. Yeah, it’s as wild as it sounds.
The masterminds behind this chaos? Alan Freeman and Steve Freeman (no relation, I assume), plus Jim Tetlow, who wears more hats on this project than a milliner at a royal wedding. Seriously, Jim does electronics, percussion, mixing, artwork, vocals—you name it. And Alan? Well, he handles guitars, synths, noises, effects, layout… you get the idea. These guys didn’t just make an album; they crafted it from scratch, layering soundscapes and textures like mad scientists.
Let me zoom in on two tracks that’ll stick with you long after the needle lifts off—or, y’know, when you hit pause on Spotify.
First up: "A Faustian Farmyard (Remix)." This track is nuts. It starts off all clanky and metallic, like someone dropped a toolbox down a flight of stairs but somehow made it sound cool. Then it morphs into this pulsating groove that feels part machine, part beast. The remix version adds layers of grit and chaos, making it feel less like music and more like eavesdropping on a robot having an existential crisis. Honestly, it’s hard not to laugh—and maybe even dance—a little. There’s something oddly charming about how unhinged it gets without ever losing its rhythm.
Then there’s "Run-Off," which hits different. Where “Faustian Farmyard” is all jagged edges, “Run-Off” feels sleeker, almost hypnotic. It’s got this relentless beat that pulls you in, paired with eerie synth tones that creep around like shadows in a dark alley. About halfway through, things take a turn—suddenly, there are these distorted vocal snippets that sound like ghostly whispers trying to tell you secrets you’re not ready for. It’s unsettling but addictive, kinda like eating too much candy before bedtime. You know it’s bad for you, but damn if it doesn’t taste good.
What really stands out about A Faustian Farmyard isn’t just the music itself—it’s the sheer DIY spirit behind it. Every single noise, effect, and squelch feels intentional, like these guys spent hours tweaking knobs until everything clicked. And while it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, anyone who digs boundary-pushing electronica will find plenty to love here.
Oh, and here’s a random thought: listening to this album makes me wonder what would happen if farm animals could DJ. Would cows go for deep house? Would chickens prefer glitchy breakbeats? Maybe goats would just chew on the cables. Either way, A Faustian Farmyard gives us a glimpse into that bizarre alternate universe—and honestly, I’m glad someone had the guts to create it.
