Marumari
Supermogadon
(Carpark Records)
More than any year in the past, this year I've discovered the joy of indie labels. I'm not even talking about what some people consider indie labels, though, I'm talking about labors of love run by usually one person or so. The wacky thing is that I've discovered some amazing music in the process that had been coming out all along without my knowledge. I've already raved about Marumari's second album entitled The Wolves Hollow that came out last year, but this release is his proper follow-up and another nice batch of electronic music.
On that last disc, Marumari had a bit of a wacky concept about some wolves from space who came to earth. On Supermogadon, there's not really an overt concept binding all the tracks together, but if I had to say, it sounds like it's about the future and if the cover art is any indication, this could very well be a great soundtrack to some yet unmade sci-fi movie. There are dancy tracks, and some downtempo ones as well, but Marumari is once again on top of the game.
The release starts off with "Rocket Summer," and after some countdown-like chirps and fly-by sound, the track leaps into motion under the power of a thick, rolling beat. With the addition of a couple samples thrown in and twisted, it's a nice slab of futuristic funk that starts the album out on a solid foot. After a teasing, short second track, there are a couple tracks that make great use of cut-up vocal samples for differing effect. Coming on the heels of an almost ethereal beginning, "Baby M" layers almost chattering vocals over a chunky beat while "The Golden People" cranks up the BPMs a bit and adds some shimmering sounds under more disembodied vocals.
If I have one problem with the release, it's that some of the early-on tracks sound a little too like one another, but as the end of the release rolls around, that point becomes even more moot. The ninth track "The Mutated Wisdom" is easily one of the most interesting tracks on the release. It mixes some chirping electronic sounds with another rumbling beat and has a toy laser-gun sample in the middle that makes the entire track.
So, along with Constellation and Temporary Residence, Carpark has easily established itself in my mind as one of the power indie-indie labels. I've now heard several very consistent releases from the label and I have yet to be let down (say that about a larger label, I dare you!). Although Supermogadon isn't quite as interesting as his previous release (in my humble opinion), it's still a 45 minute trip of 12 excellent tracks that's definitely worth the money. What are you waiting for? Head to the label website and tell them I sent you.
Rating: 7.25
