A Vast Yet Driving Alternative-Pop and Electron Release from Man In Motion
- BuzzSlayers
- 53 minutes ago
- 6 min read
An absolutely gorgeous new album release from Man in Motion recently dropped, and this entire thing takes you on a vast and cinematic journey through all kinds of sculpted sounds and textures, giving a full-bodied and, at times, edgy atmosphere to soak in.
The Memory Plant album doesn't waste a lot of time showcasing its blend of alternative-pop, dream, and electronic soundscapes with the first track, "Felido - Gritty Mix", which I must say is a great title for it, as the mix is indeed gritty.
Exceptional use of edgy overtones, synthesizers, and keys, vast and spacious underbellies using pads and string synths, along with a heavy-handed drum beat that really grabs you.
This is an amazing track to introduce the album because it opens the door for the journey you're about to take.
This is most certainly a record that boasts certain staples throughout its course, giving it a very cohesive and consistent tonality; however, listening to only a few tracks from this record just doesn't cut it.
This first single is outstanding and stands on its own two feet incredibly well as a single itself, but listening to the full album is the only way to get the full spectrum of what it actually offers.
This record is layered with thick tones and alternative backbones; again, that cinematic threshold is always there and pulling you in at all times.
This is the type of record that is built with fewer boundaries than whatever you may be used to, so it takes different forms as it unfolds.
"Turtle Shells" is a track that blends the elements of smooth and flowing tonalities with edgy, almost crunchy, dubstep feeling synthesizers and a fast-paced beat. Such a brilliant combination of approaches all in one track gives it this unique aesthetic.
This song also showcases some unique time signatures and songwriting approaches that let it stand outside-the-box just enough to take notice.
The whole record does things like this. Some songs just hit you like a sucker punch to the gut, while others are slow burns that swim around in the air that's around you.
Either way, you're getting this massive and sonically driving electronic landscape that feels like a journey.
The record is eight tracks, which consist of four original songs and then the extended mixes of those.
So with songs like "Turtle Shells", for example, the original track is just over 3 minutes while the extended mix is almost 7 minutes long.
This really showcases how those involved with this project totally understood the concept of creating edits of the track that will allow those with shorter attention spans to still get engulfed in and swallowed up by the soundscape.
I personally dig those extended mixes because they tend to take certain directions that you didn't expect at times, and I absolutely love taking the time to listen to a track that's 8 minutes long and just takes over this big chunk of time.
One of the reasons for that is simply that some of these songs really let your mind go wherever it wants.
The music is based on sculpting sound and creating an original approach to blending those textures and building those atmospheres.
The music sets the mood, and your mind sort of goes where it wants to as the songs play through.
Now, some of these tracks have a main vocalist who performs, and she does an amazing job of adding a different tone to these digitally expansive approaches.
This works amazingly because she has this kind of edgy but still warm vocal tone. It somehow blends perfectly with that digital landscape and lets you focus on lyrics and different melodies that are layered on top of the already melody-rich but experimental electronic and alternative pop offerings.
There are certain sections of tracks where there are vocals that sort of float through the background of the songs. They are distanced, drenched in reverb effect, and add depth and layers even more so than what's already there.
A lot of what this record offers is mood, depth, that cinematic push, and an amazing balance between a heavy-handed edginess, experimental tones, and pop sensibility.
This thing was awesome.
I strongly suggest you listen to this whole thing with headphones on so that you can really take in all of those layers that are brilliantly put together for you to get wrapped up in.
You can tell there was time put into the mix of these songs as well.
If you're only going to listen to some of the record, then I suggest starting with the extended mixes.
Man In Motion is a duo that absolutely pays a lot of attention to what their final outcome will sound like.
After listening to this pus of an electronic release, I had to chat with the band to find out where this actually came from and what may be coming up next for them.
So, while you listen to this record, have a read through of our interview with the duo below.
Where did this record come from?
This EP is just one part of a compilation we'll soon be releasing in physical format, primarily for collectors in Mexico. It contains 3 CDs and includes B-sides, remixes, and soundscapes. It's a compilation project where we've recovered many of the songs that were on our hard disk. Some of these songs will be soon available only in bandcamp.
I'm hearing a few different approaches to this record! Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
Well… this is a tricky question… you might think we're primarily connected to electronic music… and yes… but a large part of us is connected to other styles… Over time, you discover new influences, and of course, that's reflected in what you do.
If we're talking about artists who have influenced us, we can mention people like David Bowie, Kraftwerk, Brian Eno, Dead Can Dance, King Crimson, and many more…
Did you record this at a home setup, or at a big studio?
We recorded most of the album at home studio. Some acoustic instruments were recorded in more professional recording studios. The mastering was made at Playground studio a place connected with a Training centre in Mexico City.
How did this all start for you as a duo?
It all started with Omar and another musician, Erick Gllart, a drummer, focusing more on soundscapes and collective collaborations. Sarmen joined around 2013, which is when the first album was released. She recorded a couple of songs, and the working dynamic aimed to develop as a trio. The drummer left for personal reasons, and since 2014 we've decided that the duo can create harmoniously and is always open to collaboration. But definitely, working with someone involves commitment, agreement, and work that two people sometimes feel like a crowd! Haha.
Are you performing live right now?
Yes, we're playing some shows here in Mexico City this month. We just finished shows in other Mexican states as well. Next year, we have confirmed dates in Mexico City in February, March, and April, and one in Querétaro, Mexico. We're planning to go to Europe at the end of May or in June. We'll confirm more details soon!
Now that this is out, what's next for you?
Well, first and foremost, we want to play live. The experience of hearing what we do on a record versus live is very different. We have a lot of new material on the way, we're working on a tour, and we're putting a lot of energy into concerts. We'd like more collaborations, especially with visual artists.
Who's in your headphones right now?
A Mexican band under the name OXOMAXOMA, we have been working with them recently… apart from that immediate reference… Córas Trio from Ireland, Soundwalk Collective (with Laurie Anderson)… those for now **
What would you tell people they can expect on this release?
It's a taste of a whole journey we want to share. You can expect textures, flowing rhythms, and an alternative to downtempo electronica, straight from Latin America. We're still searching and creating what's next!
Before we go, what would you like to express to fans of the music?
We are so grateful to you for listening and following us. We want you to enjoy and connect with our music, and we would love the opportunity to play live for you, wherever you are.
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