Description
#mermaidchunky #vinyl #vinylrecords
British duo Mermaid Chunky, comprised of visual artists and musicians Freya Tate and Moina Moin, have always had a reputation for pushing the boundaries of experimental soundscapes. Their latest album slif slaf slof is a perfect reflection of their eclectic tastes, blending medieval folk influences with gritty electro-punk, and layered with offbeat synths. Coming from creative hubs like Stroud and South London, the two artists have thrived in communities known for nurturing unorthodox ideas, leading to this truly one-of-a-kind project.
The opening track “céilí” is an energetic fusion of Celtic dance traditions and modern electronic beats, transforming a simple recorder melody into a full-on dance anthem. With its galloping rhythm and complex layers, the track feels like a Björk-inspired sonic adventure that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Tate and Moin’s ability to deconstruct and reassemble sound in such a playful yet intricate manner is what makes Mermaid Chunky stand out. Their style is uniquely their own, reminiscent of artists like The Comet Is Coming and Alabaster DePlume, with whom they’ve shared the stage.
Tracks like “tiny gymnast” take listeners further down the rabbit hole, incorporating squelchy, fairground-inspired reggae beats into their electro-folk mix. It’s an unpredictable but engaging ride, much like the rest of slif slaf slof, where each song pulls you into a different universe. Their minimalist approach on “medieval” offers a stark contrast, using nothing but overlapping vocal chants to create a hauntingly rhythmic composition that grows more intriguing with each listen. These unpredictable shifts in tone and texture are a signature of the Mermaid Chunky sound, much like the experimental energy found in groups like Snapped Ankles or even LCD Soundsystem.
What truly brings slif slaf slof to life is the duo’s fearless embrace of collaboration and community. From their debut EP to opening for LCD Soundsystem, Tate and Moin have built a reputation for creating music that is deeply connected to the people around them. This collective spirit, combined with their innovative blend of genre influences—from folk to punk to synth—makes slif slaf slof a standout in the world of avant-garde music, and an essential listen for those drawn to experimental and boundary-pushing sounds.
