Matmos, the celebrated musical duo consisting of Drew Daniel and M.C. Schmidt, are prepping for the release of their new album, Metallic Life Review. Save the date for June 20, when it’ll be released through Thrill Jockey. The album showcases the duo’s innovative approach to sound, incorporating a variety of metal objects to create an eclectic auditory experience. And hot on their heels, Matmos just announced a pretty fantastic new Eurotour! Most notably, they’ll be making an appearance at New York City’s Knockdown Center.
Metallic Life Review similarly, but uniquely, collage-sources sounds from the duo’s history, mixing elements from their childhoods in the 90s with new recordings. The album exhibits thrillingly expressive metallic jangle. You’ll hear pots and pans, creaking cemetery gates, metal tape-deck reels, and aluminum cans. The band was finally able to record the second half of the album live in the studio for the first time. This is a big departure from the way they’ve recorded in the past.
All are guest players on the album, with significant contributions from frequent collaborators Owen Gardner and Thor Harris, as well as rambler Jason Willett and roamer Jeff Carey. It’s a tribute to the late Susan Alcorn, who performed pedal steel on the track Changing States. This specific single is a stirring tribute to Alcorn’s genius and her lasting imprint on the collaborative work.
Drew Daniel expressed the depth of emotion behind the album’s creation, stating, “We have the sounds of plucking the metallic gates around a tomb recorded in an underground crypt, the sound of cemetery gates, and the death of Susan Alcorn and the death of David Lynch occurred as we completed the album.” The group paid tribute to Lynch, dedicating their single “The Chrome Reflects Our Image” to the surrealist filmmaker whose work they confessed has inspired their own.
The album features other tracks such as “Norway Doorway,” “The Rust Belt,” and “Steel Tongues,” all contributing to its overarching theme of exploring life through metallic sounds. Matmos’ commitment to both Alcorn and Lynch embodies a profound understanding of their impact on artistry and sonic expression.
Beyond the album’s release, Matmos is looking forward to joining on tour. Their legion of fans can’t wait to feel their unorthodox rumble in person, starting with a famished return engagement at New York’s Knockdown Center.