A master of bass manipulation, Smerdon’s final release as Mothboy is typically bass heavy but as wonderfully produced and executed as you would expect if you have followed his previous output.
Early in the New Year, a new label based in Bristol (UK) releases their first full artist release. Having already released a free label compilation through their website (still available) their first output is the final release by London-based artist Simon Smerdon, otherwise known as Mothboy.
Primarily releasing music via respected German label Ad Noiseam between 2004 and 2010, Smerdon produced three albums and two EPs for them alongside a handful of MP3 releases for other labels. A regular remixer during his stay with the label, Smerdon’s only other commitments as Mothboy will be to produce a last batch of remixes before retiring the project for good.
Never quite conforming to any given genre, Smerdon draws influence from electronic music genres classic and modern in his own inimitable style to produce something distinctly his own. Clocking in at just shy of 10 minutes, opener “Maximise Yer Yields” (audio stream below) is a track of two halves; the intro pairs jittery bass with ambient orchestral textures and a touch of record static before a short pause sees a transformation into a sweeping bassline and techno influenced percussive rhythms. The bass is huge and deep but wonderfully executed – his bass frequencies resonate through the floor as their vibrations dissipate up the legs. Despite that however, there is still an element of spatial drone lingering in the background to give it just a hint that something sinister might be lurking. “Medusa” features the vocal talents of Sezrah Sylvan and is similar stylistically to “Maximise Yer Yields” but with a rounder, more defined bassline and a slightly more experimental feel enhanced by the Sylvan’s soulful jazzy vocals. Closing the EP is “Others” which features another massive resonating bassline and twisted techno influences.
A master of bass manipulation, Smerdon’s final release as Mothboy is typically bass heavy but as wonderfully produced and executed as you would expect if you have followed his previous output. It is a shame that he has chosen to retire the project but all good things must eventually come to an end. Hopefully Smerdon will go on to offer us more new and exciting musical experiences with whatever he chooses to pursue as his next project.
Yield EP is a digital release and will be available January 2011 on Drawn.
Mothboy feat Sezrah Sylvan – Medusa (Drawn001) [Fade] by Drawn Recordings
