Album Review: MacroScopic by Ronnie & Clyde
Alright, so let’s talk about MacroScopic, the 1997 gem from Ronnie & Clyde. If you’re into electronic music with a twist of Drum n Bass, Dub, and some straight-up experimental vibes, this is the kind of album that grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. Released under the Swim ~ label in the UK, it feels like one of those records made for late-night headphone sessions when you're trying to figure out life—or just zoning out completely.
First off, can we appreciate the design? Jon Wozencroft nailed it; there's something hypnotic about how raw and unpolished it looks. And George Peckham on mastering duties? Dude knows his stuff. The sound quality here hits different—it’s crisp but still has that warm, analog feel that makes everything breathe.
Now, onto the tracks. There are four total, but two really stuck with me. Starting with “Cinnabar,” which kicks things off with this eerie vibe, like walking through fog at dawn. It builds slowly, layering these glitchy beats and haunting synths until BAM—you’re fully submerged. I swear, every time I hear it, I imagine myself in some sci-fi film where nothing makes sense, but somehow it all does. It’s weirdly comforting? Like chaos wrapped up in beauty.
Then there’s “Bad Memory.” Oh man, this track slaps. It starts with this deep bassline that feels like it’s crawling inside your chest, and then these chopped-up vocal snippets pop in outta nowhere. Feels kinda nostalgic, like remembering something important but not quite being able to put your finger on what it is. Maybe that’s why they named it that? Either way, it’s impossible not to nod along to. Honestly, I’ve replayed this one more times than I’d admit.
The other tracks—“Parfum De R&C” and the title track “Macro–Scopic”—are solid too, don’t get me wrong. They keep the energy flowing without feeling repetitive. But “Cinnabar” and “Bad Memory” are the ones I come back to over and over again. They just stick with you, y’know?
So yeah, MacroScopic might not be an album everyone talks about, but maybe that’s part of its charm. It’s understated yet bold, simple yet layered. Listening to it feels like discovering a hidden corner of the universe no one else knows about. Kinda funny if you think about it—Ronnie & Clyde dropped this back in ‘97, and it still sounds fresh today. Makes you wonder what else is out there waiting to be rediscovered.
Oh, and random thought: whoever decided to put a tilde (~) in the label name deserves a medal. Cool move, Swim ~. Cool move.
