Molocular Meditation

Having previously worked together as part of the short-lived side project Von Sudenfed, Mouse on Mars Jan St. Werner reunited with the Falls Mark E. Smith for the creation of Molocular Meditation, a bespoke light and sound environment that premiered at Manchesters now-defunct arts center Cornerhouse in 2014. Remastered from a surround sound installation into a stereo recording, the piece forms the basis of an LP of the same title, issued two years after Smiths untimely 2018 passing. Sounding as grumpy and acerbic as ever, Smith barks out a series of pointed observations about various subjects such as young American males trouble with public speaking. His loosely connected ramblings are shaped by phasing effects and surrounded by hypnotic oscillations, and an explosion of chaotic feedback about 14 minutes in provides the pieces most startling, dramatic moment. The other pieces on the album were written around the same time, and are a bit more urgent. Back to Animals has persistent jackhammer-like arrhythmic beats similar to Werners Spectric Acid, but it doesnt feel as claustrophobic, and theres room for Smiths booming surrealisms. On the Infinite of Universe and Worlds is a more ecstatically charged sequence of playful vibrations which takes a stranger turn when a shouting fit derails it during the second half. Smith pops up one last time during concluding track VS Cancelled, during which he recites Domino Records email to Von Sudenfed announcing that the project had been dropped from the label. Smith takes it in stride, barely containing his laughter at some points, while mechanical whirring and clanging punctuate his voice. While some of Werners solo efforts, brilliant as they are, can seem cold and challenging, Smiths vocals on the album draw out the levity and excitement for exploring new ideas that might not be apparent otherwise. ~ Paul Simpson