The experimental electronic duo Matmos, comprised of Drew Daniel and M.C. Schmidt, have offered another glimpse into their unique sonic world with the release of their new single, “Steel Tongues.” The track is a precursor to their forthcoming album, Metallic Life Review, set for release on June 20th. True to their form, Matmos constructs their music from unconventional sources, and “Steel Tongues” is no exception.
The song’s foundation is a loping bassline ingeniously crafted from a metallic salad bowl. This gentle, rhythmic pulse provides the bedrock for layers of shimmering glockenspiel and the distinct tones of a steel tongue drum, which dance together in a sweet, melodic interplay.
Drew Daniel reveals a “buried allegory about capitalism” at the heart of the piece. The rhythm incorporates the clinking of American quarters and samples from a “Newton’s cradle” desk toy, symbols of commerce and corporate life. In a darkly humorous twist, the song’s final sound is the distorted noise of cemetery gates. “There is a buried mortality theme on this album,” Daniel explains, noting that the “easy, gentle beat made out of money… leads the listener straight to the grave.”
As they wrap up their UK/EU tour and prepare for a US tour, “Steel Tongues” serves as a compelling and thought-provoking invitation into the meticulously crafted, metallic world of their new album.
Matmos tour dates
Jun. 12 – Vienna, AT – Flucc
Jun. 14 – London, UK – Rio Cinema
Jun. 21 – New York City, NY – Knockdown Center
Jun. 25 – Philadelphia, PA – Solar Myth
Jun. 29 – Chicago, IL – Constellation
Jul. 3 – Louisville, KY – Art Sanctuary
Jul. 4 – Pittsburgh, PA – The Government Center
Jul. 8 – San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall
Jul. 11 – Los Angeles, CA – 2220 Arts
Jul. 16 – Portland, OR – Holocene
Aug. 30 – Washington, DC – Black Cat
Nov. 22-28 – Santa Cruz de Tenerife, ES – Espacio Cultural el Tanque / Keroxen Festival