Here are three things you need to know about "Whorl": it just came out, it’s hot, and it’s about to make your late nights a lot more fun. Oh, and did I forget to mention it’s the fourth album by Simian Mobile Disco, the house dynamic duo from London? Before you ask, there’s a lot more to them than the label. If you don’t recognize the band name, it’s all good: all you need to know is that it’s James Ford on the drums and Jas Shaw on keyboard, and both used to be part of the now–extinct band Simian. The defunct group's biggest hit was “Justice vs Simian,” remixing Justice’s “We Are Your Friend.” They’ve expanded since then, and are way more than just an MTV hit.
Start off by listening to some early remixes. It doesn’t matter what you’re into—they’ve surely covered one of your favorite artists. Perhaps Muse (“Knights of Cydonia”), The Go! Team (“Ladyflash”) or Björk (“Innocence”). Cool, right? Well prepare yourself: the nu–disco–meets–electro hotshots are back, and their newest project is even cooler. They’ve got a new system, and a new style—and it works. Using an analog synthesizer and a sequencer (and only that), they’re aiming to be—you guessed it—more minimalist.
So who is behind the techno masterpieces? You might not know Ford, but you are definitely familiar with his work (Klaxons, Arctic Monkeys and Haim—he’s one of Alex Turner’s buddies). Where does Shaw come in? Well, both were part of electronic group King Rib years ago, and it’s all history from there on. But enough musical history—that’s not the reason they sound so attractive. Their music is the ultimate soundtrack to your nights, especially “Tangents.” Once you start listening, you won't be able to stop. While the track isn’t exactly tranquil, it’s more fragile than heavy. There’s a certain lightness to it that's difficult to replicate, and in that way (as cliché as it sounds) it inevitably elevates you to a different level. And isn’t that part of the point of music?
If you once stumbled upon Aldous Huxley’s twisted masterpiece "Brave New World," you might remember characters taking “Soma” and smiling at their drug-induced haze. Consider this the “Soma” of electronic music: one that will make you want to dance or twirl (but certainly not fist bump) as if you took a happy vacation. Four tablets suddenly become one or two tracks, and you’ll see how they keep you satisfied. "Whorl" is simple: it gives you what you want and keeps you on your feet. It simply elevates you.
So get out and listen to the album, or, better yet, try to catch it live to get the full experience. When's your first opportunity? Catching them at Union Transfer on Friday, September 19th (but actually, GO) or in Brooklyn on Sunday, September 21st in Williamsburg. The next best thing? Blasting their music, whether with your headphones or with loud stereos outside—you can still dance and vibe to the tracks sans impressive light show.
