Album Review: LF002 by Ludgate Squatter
Alright, so let’s talk about LF002, this weird little gem from Ludgate Squatter that dropped back in 2018. If you’re into electronic music but find yourself bored of the same old beats, this one might just hit the spot. It’s got that experimental edge mixed with techno and acid vibes—like someone took a bunch of synths, threw ‘em in a blender, and pressed “puree.” The UK-based label Lifeforms put it out, and honestly? They nailed it.
First off, shoutout to Kristina Merchant for the artwork—it’s kinda haunting, like something you’d stare at while zoning out on public transport. But enough about the cover; let’s get into the tracks. There are six tunes here, but I wanna zoom in on two that stuck with me: NoRegrett (yeah, no space between "no" and "regret," which feels intentional) and At Night.
Okay, NoRegrett is wild. Like, chaotic in the best way possible. You’ve got these glitchy bleeps and bloops layered over a driving beat that doesn’t quit. It’s not your typical club track—it’s more like what happens when robots throw a rave in some dystopian future. I kept coming back to it because it feels unpredictable, like it could veer off into total madness at any second. And yet, somehow, it holds together. It’s the kind of song that makes you go, “Wait…what did I just listen to?” And then hit repeat.
Then there’s At Night. This one’s darker, moodier, almost cinematic. It starts slow, building tension with these eerie pads before dropping into this hypnotic groove. It’s the kind of track that feels perfect for wandering around an empty city late at night—or maybe hiding from bailiffs if we’re keeping with the theme of another track (Bailiff, anyone?). Something about the pacing really gets under your skin. By the time the track ends, you’re left feeling unsettled but also kinda satisfied, like you’ve been through something important even though you can’t quite explain why.
The other tracks—Bailiff, The Elephant, Ringing, and Silence—are solid too, each bringing their own flavor to the mix. But NoRegrett and At Night? Those are the ones I’ll remember months later when I’m trying to describe this album to a friend over beers.
So yeah, LF002 isn’t gonna be everyone’s cup of tea. Some people will probably find it too out-there or hard to pin down. But isn’t that the point of experimental music? To push boundaries and make you think? Plus, it’s refreshing to hear something that doesn’t sound like every other playlist filler out there.
Random thought: Listening to this album feels like being inside a video game where nothing makes sense but everything works anyway. Maybe that’s the vibe Ludgate Squatter was going for. Or maybe they were just messing around in the studio and accidentally created magic. Either way, hats off to ‘em.
