Nescafe by Wishmountain: A Minimalist’s Cup of Joe
Alright, let’s talk about Nescafe, the 2012 electronic brainchild from Wishmountain, brought into this world by none other than Matthew "Goods Shed" Herbert. If you’re into abstract and minimal vibes with a UK twist, buckle up—this album is like that weirdly satisfying coffee you didn’t know you needed.
First off, kudos to Accidental Records for putting it out there. The whole thing feels like an experiment gone right—a sonic lab where ordinary sounds get twisted into something oddly captivating. It’s not flashy or in-your-face; instead, it sneaks up on you, kinda like when you realize you've been humming the same tune for hours without even noticing.
Now, onto the tracks. The title track, “Nescafe,” hits different. I mean, who would’ve thought a song named after instant coffee could slap? But here we are. It’s got this understated groove, all glitchy beats and atmospheric hums, like someone spilled their caffeine fix onto a drum machine. You don’t just listen to it—you feel it. Every little click and clatter feels intentional, as if Herbert was trying to make machinery sound human. Spoiler alert: he nails it.
Then there’s “Lucazade.” Now, this one sticks because it’s playful but moody at the same time. Imagine walking through a neon-lit arcade late at night—no one around, just you and the faint buzz of forgotten games. That’s what this track does to your brain. It loops around, teasing you with its simplicity, until you’re fully immersed. And honestly? It’s kinda hard to explain why it works so well. Maybe it’s the way it builds tension without ever really resolving it, leaving you hanging like, “Wait…is that it?” Yeah, that’s the magic.
The other tunes, like “Fruit Shoot” and “Kingsmill Hovis And Warburton,” keep the vibe consistent. They’re quirky yet restrained, almost like musical sketches doodled during a particularly boring staff meeting. Not groundbreaking, but definitely worth a spin if you dig subtle stuff.
Reflecting on Nescafe, I can’t help but think how much personality Herbert squeezes out of such sparse ingredients. Like, dude literally names songs after household brands and somehow makes them sound cool. That takes guts—or maybe just a wicked sense of humor. Either way, it’s refreshing in a sea of overproduced bangers.
So yeah, give Nescafe a shot if you’re tired of music that tries too hard. Just don’t expect fireworks—this one’s more like a quiet spark that lingers long after it fades. Oh, and fun fact: drinking actual Nescafe while listening doesn’t enhance the experience. Trust me, I tried.
