Jackson Free Press

"It's clear from [the] opening track…that Ford and Shaw are in love with the shape-shifting possibilities of sound, like Daft Punk at their most hallucinogenic." – Q, June 2007. "…in these 10 perfectly weighted pieces of contemporary electronic pop, Simian Mobile Disco rifle through history (hip-house, Italo-disco, 808 State) to produce the definitive sound of now." – NME, 6/17/07

It is with great joy that we introduce you to Manchester's very own Simian Mobile Disco, two gentlemen who make some of the most fantastic ass-shaking tunes in the Western hemisphere. If you've been to any halfway decent party in the last couple years, then there is no doubt that Simian Mobile Disco has been a part of it. If you've paid attention to anything that makes you dance just like a DJ's saved your life over the last couple years, then you know Simian Mobile Disco already. But in case you haven't, we're here to help – here's what you should know about James Ford and Jas Shaw – the two men behind the excellence that is Simian Mobile Disco – before listening to their irresistible debut, Attack Decay Sustain Release:

Initially, Ford and Shaw were part of a band called Simian, whose debut garnered them some smashing critical acclaim both in America and their native England . But like all good things, the band imploded while touring America one summer, and Simian Mobile Disco, the name both Shaw and Ford gave to themselves when they'd dj parties after Simian gigs on tour, rose from the ashes to rapturous response. Originally, Ford and Shaw were Simian's rhythm section, and this is a fact that clearly makes sense when you hear the amazing beats on Attack Decay Sustain Release. Which reminds us – something important to keep in mind about Simian Mobile Disco is that they do not use any modern electronic recording/music making methods, relying solely on analog synthesizers and drum machines. Indeed, Attack Decay Sustain Release (themselves the sound filters that manipulate sonic textures, something Simian Mobile Disco does best) is made entirely by hand, a feat for any electronic record created in 2007. This is about as DIY as it gets.

While some knob twiddlers are obsessed with splicing familiar songs together into brand new creations (and let's face it, the novelty factor in this wears off quickly), Simian Mobile Disco get back to the heart of their scene, creating damn satisfying, perfect slices of electro pop meant to keep your feet moving at all times. To call their tunes "nu rave" would be short-sighted, if only because dance music never went away. With their squiggly keyboard squelches and jack-hammer bass, the songs on Attack Decay Sustain Release command the club. "It's the Beat," featuring a guest turn from The Go! Team's Ninja, updates Technotronic's "Pump Up the Jam" for 2007, mixing Ninja's dancefloor come-ons with analog orchestra hits, while "I Believe" is unprecedented slink with washy, stacked vocals courtesy of ex-Simian vocalist Simon Lord. "Wooden" burns with psychedelic Technicolor waves, and "Tits and Acid" spills over with metallic twists, super overloaded snare hits and a siren's wail as its backbone. Simply put, this is a record that just won't stop.

In addition to Attack Decay Sustain Release, Simian Mobile Disco has created amazing remixes for the likes of The Go! Team, Air, and more, while James Ford has produced LP's for artists such as Arctic Monkeys (Favourite Worst Nightmare), The Klaxons (Myths of the Near Future) and Mystery Jets (Zootime).

Simian Mobile Disco will be playing two special shows this summer – July 6th in Philly @ Making Time and July 7th in NYC @ Studio B – with more shows to come this fall!