Album Review: Inspiremental by MP30 – A Hidden Gem in the World of IDM
Released back in 2007, Inspiremental by MP30 is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. It’s not flashy or overhyped, but it’s got this quiet confidence that makes it stick. Glenn Matson, the mastermind behind the project, crafted a record that feels like a late-night drive through an electric dreamscape. The genre is electronic, leaning heavily into the IDM (Intelligent Dance Music) style, and it’s self-released under the label Not On Label via Human Weapon. If you’re into layered beats and glitchy soundscapes, this one’s worth your time.
The album opens with “Trachae,” and honestly? It sets the tone perfectly. There’s something about the way the track builds—soft clicks and pops morphing into this hypnotic rhythm—that grabs your attention without screaming for it. It’s subtle, almost like it’s inviting you to lean in closer. By the halfway mark, you realize you’ve been zoning out, lost in its intricate details. Tracks like this remind me why IDM is such a fascinating genre—it doesn’t just play; it unfolds.
Another standout is “Beautiful Morning.” Don’t let the title fool you—this isn’t some cheesy sunrise anthem. Instead, it’s more like watching dawn break through a city skyline while static buzzes faintly in the background. The melody has this bittersweet vibe, like nostalgia wrapped in circuitry. It’s the kind of song that stays with you long after it ends, maybe because it taps into emotions you didn’t even know were there.
Of course, the rest of the album delivers too. Tracks like “Lavender” and “Take You Far Away” keep things interesting, blending ambient textures with sharp, angular beats. But what really stands out about Inspiremental is how cohesive it feels despite its variety. Each track flows seamlessly into the next, making it feel less like a collection of songs and more like a single journey.
Glenn Matson deserves props for pulling this off without any big-label backing. Self-releasing an album like this takes guts, especially when it’s as meticulously crafted as Inspiremental. And while it might not have gotten the mainstream recognition it deserves, it’s exactly the kind of record that finds its way into the playlists of people who truly listen.
So yeah, if you’re looking for something different—something that challenges your ears but still feels deeply personal—give Inspiremental a spin. Just don’t expect it to hold your hand. This album asks you to meet it halfway, and trust me, it’s worth the effort.
Oh, and here’s a random thought: listening to this feels like hearing what computers dream about when they’re turned off. Weird, right? But also kinda beautiful.
