What makes Quasi-Objects by Matmos notable?

This album is notable for its critical acclaim within the avant-garde community, receiving praise from publications like The Wire and Pitchfork. Its inventive use of non-traditional sounds helped to influence a generation of artists exploring similar experimental territories in electronic music. Quasi-Objects marked Matmos' third album, following the duo's previous work in 1997 with 'The West.' By this time, they had established themselves as innovative figures in experimental electronic music, pushing the boundaries of sound manipulation and conceptual art within their compositions.

Who is Quasi-Objects for?

Quasi-Objects works well if you're into vibrant sonic experimentation, dynamic shifts in texture and focused listening sessions.

How many songs are on Quasi-Objects?

Quasi-Objects has 7 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Quasi-Objects

Matmos · 1998

39 min · 7 tracks · electronic music

A surreal blend of electronic soundscapes and unconventional samples exploring themes of identity and materiality.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Cloth Mother/Wire Mother — This track exemplifies the duo's innovative approach by blending found sounds and samples to create a narrative around maternal themes, showcasing their ability to weave complex ideas into sonic form.
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The Banjo's Categorical Gut — In this track, Matmos cleverly utilizes banjo sounds processed through electronic effects, highlighting their unique blend of folk elements with avant-garde techniques, resulting in an engaging auditory experience.
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Latex — This piece explores the theme of materiality through its use of latex sounds, pushing listeners to consider the implications of physical objects and their relationship to sound, a hallmark of Matmos' conceptual style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album's inventive soundscapes and sampling techniques mark it as a significant work in experimental electronic music.

What we noticed

The album features abrupt transitions between tracks, often changing tempo and texture without warning.
Several pieces incorporate field recordings and manipulated sounds, emphasizing the themes of identity and materiality.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

vibrant sonic experimentation
dynamic shifts in texture
focused listening sessions
playful yet challenging sounds

Maybe skip if you

seeking traditional song structures
prefer straightforward musical narratives

Where this album fits

Career context: Quasi-Objects marked Matmos' third album, following the duo's previous work in 1997 with 'The West.' By this time, they had established themselves as innovative figures in experimental electronic music, pushing the boundaries of sound manipulation and conceptual art within their compositions.
Stylistic neighbors: Oval· The Books· Mouse on Mars

New to Matmos? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Stupid Fambaloo 4:54
2 Cloth Mother/Wire Mother 5:09
3 Lift Up Your Hat! 3:50
4 Always Three Words 5:16
5 The Banjo's Categorical Gut 6:07
6 The Purple Island 6:58
7 Latex 7:35

What to play next

Listen next

The West

1999

Go back to

Matmos

1997

Full Matmos discography Where to start with Matmos Artists like Matmos

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata