Meat Beat Manifesto

Actual Sounds and Voices (Nothing)
by Rowan-Morrison

If you’re out of the loop (literally and figuratively), Meat Beat Manifesto‘s techno trademark is their ability to recycle and improve upon the infectious drum loops and depth charge-inspired grooves that immortalized their 1990 club hit, “Helter Skelter.” Even though MBM’s last album – excluding their remix LP – was the critically acclaimed Subliminal Sandwich, it didn’t have the instantly addictive vibe of their earlier endeavors. Conversely, Actual Sounds And Voices is bloated with hooks, calling to mind their impressive 99% release.

Part of this comparison is based on the fact that mainman Jack Dangers is incorporating his distinct, albeit one-dimensional vocal style again. Yet even without his voice, MBM has such a signature style that when they’re dishing out a breakbeat feast, it doesn’t sound like leftovers from a Chemical Brothers’ banquet. Not that it should, considering that MBM predate the Chemmies and most of their mainstream contemporaries by at least a few years. One of the tracks that sticks out is “Oblivion/Humans,” which has a Depeche Mode nuance (Seeing as how MBM was on the recent Mode tribute album, it’s not such an influential stretch). You should also keep your ears open for their club-a-licious sample-propelled single, “Acid Again.” In a market bloated with generic beats, MBM’s new CD is more than distinct, it’s amazing.
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