Mouse on Mars - Rost Pocks: The EP Collection
(Thrill Jockey)
Mouse on Mars have always released great, interesting electronic music. Each album kicks off with a bluster of sounds you can't seem to associate with anything; melodies fly out at you from the most unexpected points. Sometimes it can take a while to figure out exactly what you are hearing. In other words, Mouse on Mars will not let you down—provided you only listen in small doses. To me, almost every MoM album suffers from the same failing—and to be honest I'm not sure if it is my attention span or their music—but it seems that about halfway through each record, the wow factor wanes and the album just kind of winds itself out of existence without your noticing. Suddenly you hit the end, and while you know you've just heard some funky bouncy electronics, any memory of individual tracks is blurred beyond recognition.
Unfortunately, Rost Pocks suffers the same fate as other MoM records. While this is a collection of rare EP and compilation tracks, it becomes difficult to maintain a level of interest after a few songs. Perhaps it is the nature of the music and the fact that yes indeed it probably isn't meant to be listened to too actively but reacted to, danced to.
Honestly, I was surprised the album didn't display a bit more of an evolutionary climb I'd assumed the band had made from their early days. Though some of the sounds seem a bit more traditional—Roland bass synths, jungly beats and such—much of the 'Mouse on Mars' sound is already in place across the entire album. Whatever the case, any completist will want to pick it up just for access to the older music otherwise inaccessible (in a purchasable format, anyway). Also, the Beggars Group would like you to know that they have been name-checked as one of David Bowie's current favorite bands! It must be so exciting for this upcoming act! I wish them the very best of luck.
Any fan will undoubtedly enjoy this record and newcomers will get a fine taste of what they're capable of. Just don't expect them to make it all the way through.
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