Album Review: Stolen Music Chamber And Electronic Music By Matthew Davidson
Matthew Davidson’s Stolen Music Chamber And Electronic Music is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. Released in 1996 under the Mastersound label, this experimental and contemporary electronic gem feels like it came from a different dimension—maybe one where jazz clubs and circuit boards coexist peacefully. It’s not perfect, but man, does it have personality.
The album bounces between quirky chamber music vibes and moody electronic experiments, which could’ve been a mess, but somehow, Davidson pulls it off. Let me tell ya about two tracks that stuck with me long after the first listen.
First up, there’s “Ba Mbuti.” This track is wild—it starts off with these tribal-like rhythms that feel raw and primal, but then BAM, outta nowhere comes this glitchy synth line that sounds like someone dropped a robot into the jungle. I don’t know how to describe it other than… cool? It’s the kind of song that makes you stop whatever you’re doing and just listen. Like, what even is this? Is it danceable? Not really. Is it fascinating? Absolutely.
Then there’s “Roll Jordan Roll,” which flips the script entirely. If “Ba Mbuti” is chaotic energy, this one is pure soul-soothing vibes. It’s got this slow, almost hymn-like quality to it, like something your grandma might hum while knitting—but wait, hold on, because halfway through, it gets all jazzy and playful. The piano here is so smooth, you’d swear it was poured straight from a bottle of vintage whiskey. Every time I hear it, I think, wow, this guy really knows how to stretch a mood without losing you.
One thing I love (or maybe hate?) about this album is how unpredictable it is. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on Davidson’s style, he throws a curveball at you. Take “For Analog Tape,” for example—it’s basically seven minutes of staticky weirdness that shouldn’t work, but somehow does. Or “Transylvanian Tickler,” which sounds exactly like its title implies: spooky yet kinda fun, like Halloween candy for your ears.
Looking back, Stolen Music Chamber And Electronic Music isn’t gonna appeal to everyone. Some folks will probably find it too scattered or pretentious, and honestly, I get that. But for me, it’s the kind of record you put on when you wanna feel like you’re exploring uncharted territory. You won’t walk away humming every tune, but you’ll definitely remember moments that make you go, “Wait, did that just happen?”
Here’s the kicker though—I’m still trying to figure out if this album is ahead of its time or just completely out of step with it. Either way, props to Matthew Davidson for making something so unapologetically strange and memorable. Now excuse me while I go see if my cat reacts to “Dangdut.” Spoiler alert: She hates it.
