Simian Mobile Disco wield their analog magic at Blender Theater (photo: Cracker’s United)
James Ford and Jas Shaw of Simian Mobile Disco have it all figured out. They get to produce rock hits in the UK, then noodle around with some mad-scientist-rigged analog equipment and make dance tracks. Then they put an album of said tracks together and go play some theaters and clubs, assaulting audiences with a mind-numbing mix of their material. During this performance, with the blinding strobes and deafening-beats, they manage to push all of the right buttons, plugs, etc. right when they’re supposed to. I don’t understand how it all works (yet) but damned if it isn’t fun to dance to.
At least that’s how I experienced their performance at Blender Theater which, despite their quality sound was a disappointing venue. It must have been a 18+ show, because alcohol distribution was limited and security was a little too heavy. Not that got in the way of us having a good time…
I’m not sure what hurt more after the show — my eyes or my ears. It was hard to tell after 45 minutes of glorious information overload. I liked the live mixes but would have preferred shorter versions to allow for more tracks off the album. Not that we need an album performance but short, tight production goes a long way.
the setlist:
Sleep Deprivation
It’s The Beat
Hustler
I Believe
The album itself – Attack Decay Sustain Release – is addictively absorbing. I can’t stop listening to it and don’t see an end in sight. It’s one of the better electronic/dance records in my rotation and my hope is that they can keep things fresh, remixes aside.
I was just listening to Simian Mobile Disco - Hotdog