First things first. The new Matmos album is considered their ‘pop’ record. To their fans, maybe. To the rest of us, well, not quite. Matmos you see, typically produce high-concept avant garde electronica that draws on sampled found sounds, and these boys will sample anything. You name it and they’ve sampled it. The sound of ejaculated human semen? Been there. The tap of an underwater mollusc shell? Done that. The soft tear of a human flesh opening under a scalpel? Matmos have bought the t shirt. It is only in circumstances such as these you can produce something like Supreme Balloon and call it your ‘pop’ record. For Supreme Balloon has at its centre a fantastic whooshing 24 minute Krautrock odyssey called Supreme Balloon. Pop? Emm, well its not going to cause Louis Walshe any sleepless nights. The track in question is a real period piece and surely a homage to the likes of Phaedra by Tangerine Dream, such is the smell of unicorn mane off its extended wibbly synth rushes.

The rest of the album, like the title track, is recorded exclusively from vintage synthesisers of all ages, shapes and sizes. However, the shorter songs are far more contemporary sounding and playful than Supreme Balloon. Best of these is ‘polychords’ which isn’t a million miles from Boards of Canada’s ROYBGIV, and bounces along in an exuberant rubbery way. Actually, rubbery is a pretty good adjective for the rest of the album. The music stretches, snaps, bounces and ricochets all over the place. It’s a veritable explosion in a rubber toy factory. It might not be to everyone’s taste, but if you have a penchant for experimental instrumental music served with a side-dollop of mischief then Supreme Balloon is for you. Now spark up a sneaky bowl and turn up the title track. It’s time to imagine you’re flying your pet rainbow-coloured animated unicorn over the pyramids.

Matmos play the Andrew’s Lane Theatre as part of the Future Days festival on June 12th. They’ll be backed up by the excellent Si Schroeder.

Darragh McCausland is saving up all of his pocket money to send off to Guided by Voices so they reunite.
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