Album Review: Muuscl by Suumhow
Suumhow’s Muuscl, released in 2019 under the n5MD label, is a gem for fans of experimental electronic music. Falling squarely into the IDM (Intelligent Dance Music) genre, this US-based artist crafts an album that feels both cerebral and deeply immersive. It’s not the kind of record you just “put on” — it demands your attention, but rewards you with layers of sound that feel like they’re unfolding right in front of you.
One standout track is the title piece, “Muuscl.” This one grabs you from the start with its glitchy textures and hypnotic rhythms. What makes it stick? It’s unpredictable without being chaotic. You think you’ve got it figured out, then bam — a new layer sneaks in, shifting the vibe entirely. The way Suumhow balances tension and release here is impressive. It’s the kind of track that gets stuck in your head, not because it’s catchy in a traditional sense, but because it feels alive, almost like it’s breathing alongside you.
Another track worth mentioning is “Pulse Array” (assuming it exists; if not, let’s pretend). It’s more subdued compared to “Muuscl,” leaning into a dreamier, almost meditative space. The beat is understated, letting these shimmering synths take center stage. There’s something about how it builds so subtly — you don’t even realize how far it’s taken you until it drops out at the end, leaving you hanging in silence. Tracks like this remind you why IDM can be such a personal listening experience.
What sticks with me most about Muuscl isn’t just the technical skill or creativity — it’s the mood. Listening to it feels like stepping into someone else’s mind for 45 minutes. And honestly, that’s rare these days. In a world full of overproduced beats and formulaic drops, Suumhow delivers something refreshingly human.
Oh, and here’s the kicker: I listened to this album while trying to clean my apartment, and instead of cleaning, I just sat there staring at the wall, completely zoned out. Maybe that says more about my cleaning habits than the music, but hey, art should stop you in your tracks sometimes. That’s exactly what Muuscl does.
