What makes Ultimate Care II by Matmos notable?

Ultimate Care II received critical acclaim for its inventive use of field recordings and domestic sounds, reflecting the duo's unique approach to composition. It was praised in various publications, including Pitchfork, which highlighted its artistic vision and conceptual depth, contributing to ongoing discussions about the boundaries of electronic music. By the time of its release in 2016, Matmos had established themselves as innovative figures in electronic music, following their 2013 album 'The Marriage of True Minds'. This album marks a distinct exploration of sound as an art form, showcasing their ability to transform mundane objects into compelling auditory experiences.

Released 10 years ago

Ultimate Care II

Matmos · 2016

2 tracks · electronic music

A conceptual soundscape crafted from the rhythmic nuances of a washing machine, blending experimental electronics with everyday sounds.

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Top tracks — play these first

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[wash side] — This track serves as the foundation of the album's concept, using recordings from a washing machine to create a rhythmic and immersive sound environment. Its detailed layering exemplifies Matmos' skill in manipulating everyday sounds into engaging compositions.
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[rinse side] — Continuing the thematic exploration of domesticity, this track further develops the sonic narrative with varied textures that evoke both fluidity and mechanical precision. Its contrasting elements highlight the duo's experimental ethos.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

The album's innovative use of domestic sounds and cohesive structure showcases Matmos' unique approach to sound art.

What we noticed

The album is structured as two long tracks, each focusing on different phases of a washing machine's cycle, creating a continuous soundscape.
Field recordings of the washing machine are manipulated with electronic effects, emphasizing rhythmic patterns and textures rather than traditional melodies.
The sound design incorporates various everyday sounds, layering them to create a complex auditory experience that evolves over time.

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: 9/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Tracklist

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

1 [wash side]
2 [rinse side]

What to play next

Listen next

Tatouages mentholés et cartouches d'Aube

2017

Go back to

The Marriage of True Minds

2013

Full Matmos discography Where to start with Matmos Artists like Matmos

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata