pajama party
The trio once known as Thine Eyes has become ML (don't even ask how you're supposed to pronounce that), and Pajama Party is their debut under this new moniker. Their metamorphosis into more concentrated, instrumental IDM terrain is complete with this new disc, a stylistic evolution that inspired the name change and also coincided with a change in labels, from Doppler Effect to Toast & Jam.
There's something to be said about not taking oneself too seriously, which isn't to say ML have nothing serious to offer. Tracks such as "Red Envelope" and "Rawtucket, RI" easily hold their own up against Aphex Twin's prime, with a tight electronic mastery that comes with the territory of playing together other for a decade. Complex, but relaxed beat arrangements scatter under rich synth melodies that diffuse over the entire mix. The infectious tunes are structured around layered IDM programming, from vivid to vaporous.
Given the project's defining tongue-in-cheek humour and a name for an album like Pajama Party, the flatulence saturated "Take That, Pants" should come as no surprise. I don't know of many other bands that can take fart noises and actually make them funny again. You won't find music this good for three bucks anywhere else... but if you do be sure to let me know. In addition to this release, nine exclusive mp3s are also available free at Headjunk.