Matmos Unveils Details for Upcoming Album, ‘Metallic Life Review’
Matmos Unveils Upcoming Album ‘Metallic Life Review’ Alongside New Single "Changing States"
Legendary experimental duo Matmos has announced their latest endeavor, a thought-provoking album titled Metallic Life Review. Slated for release on June 20, 2025, through Thrill Jockey, the record promises a compelling exploration of sound, crafted meticulously from metallic objects.
In a creative twist, Metallic Life Review spans six tracks that comprise both curated archival field recordings and newly sourced sounds, all stemming from the duo’s iconic manipulation of metallic textures. Drew Daniel and M.C. Schmidt have employed a distinctive recording approach for this project, opting to capture the second half of the album "live in the studio," a departure from their usual meticulous layering.
The lead single, "Changing States," is now available for streaming, featuring the haunting and ethereal contributions of the late pedal steel guitarist Susan Alcorn. The track serves not only as a musical piece but as a moving tribute, encapsulating the heart of the album’s themes of transience and transformation.
Reflecting on their creative process, Daniel underscored the profound significance of their sonic choices: “We have the sounds of plucking the metallic gates around a tomb recorded in an underground crypt, the sound of cemetery gates, and the deaths of Susan Alcorn and David Lynch occurred as we completed the album,” he shared. "We had already mixed the music with Susan before she passed, and we dedicate ‘Changing States’ to her." This deep-rooted connection adds a palpable layer of emotional weight to their soundscape, continuing Matmos’s tradition of intertwining life’s stark realities into their musical fabric. Daniel further highlighted the influence of filmmaker David Lynch, mentioning the track "The Chrome Reflects Our Image" was dedicated to him, drawing parallels between their artistic journeys.
To coincide with the release, Matmos has announced a series of anticipated tour dates across the UK, Europe, and the US, kicking off with a performance at Wiltshire’s Acid Horse festival in May 2025. This tour not only marks their return to the stage but also brings an opportunity for fans to immerse themselves in the ethereal world of Metallic Life Review.
True to their innovative reputation, Matmos continues to push the boundaries of sound as they incorporate personal loss and existential reflection within their work. With Metallic Life Review, they invite listeners to engage with the reverberations of life, death, and the metallic echoes that bind them.
For a taste of their latest venture, tune into "Changing States," and prepare yourself for an odyssey through sound that is as much about the medium as it is about the message. Brace for a transformative experience when Metallic Life Review drops in June 2025.
