Album Review: Mates by Simonnewcomb – A Wild Ride Through Experimental Electronica
Alright, let’s cut the crap and dive straight into Mates, this weird little gem from 2005 that somehow slipped under everyone's radar. It’s an experimental electronic album outta the US, self-released on Not On Label, which already screams "we don’t give a damn what you think." And honestly? That’s what makes it so damn good.
First off, props to Forest Juziuk for the artwork—it’s as trippy as the music itself, all glitchy textures and unsettling vibes. But let’s talk about the real meat here: the tracks. There are four total, but I’m gonna focus on two because ain’t nobody got time to break down every single one.
Track 1: “Mates”
This opener hits you like a slap in the face with its jagged beats and distorted synths. It feels chaotic, but not in a bad way—more like controlled chaos, if that even makes sense. The drums (courtesy of Salaah Youness) punch through at just the right moments, giving the track some backbone while still letting the electronics spiral out of control. What sticks with me is how unpredictable it feels. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on where it’s going, bam! Something completely bonkers happens. Like, halfway through, there’s this low-frequency rumble that sounds like your speakers are dying, but then it morphs into this hypnotic loop. It’s disorienting as hell, but also kinda addictive. You’ll either love it or wanna throw your headphones across the room. Either way, it leaves a mark.
Track 3: “No Oh”
Now THIS one is pure madness. Travis Bursik shows up as a performer here, and holy shit does he bring the noise. This track doesn’t mess around—it starts off with these sharp, staccato blips that sound like a robot having a panic attack. Then it layers in these warped vocal snippets that feel like they’re mocking you. Honestly, it’s creepy as fuck, but in the best possible way. By the time the bassline kicks in, you’re already trapped in its twisted web. Every listen reveals something new—a hidden squeak, a buried echo—and it keeps pulling you back for more. It’s the kind of song that makes you wonder if Simonnewcomb was high as balls when he made it, but hey, who cares? It works.
The production quality, handled by Brendan Kuras, deserves a shoutout too. For a DIY project, it’s surprisingly tight. Sure, there are rough edges, but those imperfections only add to the charm. This isn’t polished pop garbage; it’s raw, unfiltered creativity.
So yeah, Mates might not be for everyone. If you’re looking for catchy hooks or radio-friendly beats, keep walking. But if you dig experimental electronica that challenges your ears and fucks with your brain, this is worth a spin.
Final thought? Listening to this album feels like stepping into someone else’s fever dream. And honestly, we could all use a bit more chaos in our lives. Who knew a no-label release from 2005 could still slap this hard?
Word count: ~470
