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Ultimate Care II
by
Ultimate Care II Image
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

  • Summary: The latest release created from sounds from a Whirlpool Ultimate Care II model washing machine by the experimental electronic duo was recorded in the basement of their home with contributions from Dan Deacon, Horse Lords' Max Eilbacher, Horse Lords' Sam Haberman, Needle Gun's Duncan MooreThe latest release created from sounds from a Whirlpool Ultimate Care II model washing machine by the experimental electronic duo was recorded in the basement of their home with contributions from Dan Deacon, Horse Lords' Max Eilbacher, Horse Lords' Sam Haberman, Needle Gun's Duncan Moore and Half Japanese's Jason Willett.… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Mar 23, 2016
    90
    Matmos have successfully transformed their washing machine into an instrument of righteousness as well as introspection, and while I am not surprised at their continued high level of craft, this one feels especially deep.
  2. Resident Advisor
    Mar 7, 2016
    84
    This is all standard Matmos; nothing here upsets their musical applecart. But the washing machine conceit gives their sample trickery a dramatic edge. It sometimes feels like we're descending deep into the innards of the machine.
  3. Record Collector
    Feb 16, 2016
    80
    While the cynical may snigger behind their hands at this degree of conceptualisation, it makes for a suprisingly tight, focused release.
  4. The Wire
    Feb 18, 2016
    80
    The fact that Ultimate Care II is also, in its flexible extremes of danceability and post GRM meditation, one of the most purely enjoyable albums I've heard recently. [Feb 2016, p.55]
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  5. Pitchfork
    Feb 18, 2016
    78
    Ultimate Care II is a daydream of domesticity, a chore ignored. Call it the revolutions of everyday life.
  6. Uncut
    Feb 16, 2016
    70
    While the aural palette's novelty value fades by the halfway mark, the final spin cycle provides a thrilling conclusion to this ingenious exercise. [Mar 2016, p.76]
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  7. No Ripcord
    Mar 9, 2016
    50
    Ultimate Care II doesn’t inspire one to peer closer into the musicality of everyday life; instead, you’ll constantly look at the time, wishing it’d sped up so you can move on with anything else.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. WhiskeyStories
    Jun 20, 2017
    9
    One word comes to mind to best describe this album: ingenious. The way the mundane sounds of a washing machine are made into such a beautifulOne word comes to mind to best describe this album: ingenious. The way the mundane sounds of a washing machine are made into such a beautiful and entertaining coherent sound and record is just freaking unbelievable. Ultimate Care II is fantastic.… Expand
  2. Custom_Concerns
    Feb 27, 2016
    7
    This album is comprised of one 38-minute long experimental electronic track heavily themed around the spin cycle of a washing machine. InThis album is comprised of one 38-minute long experimental electronic track heavily themed around the spin cycle of a washing machine. In other words, this album is about as far out of my comfort zone as you can get without getting into harsh noise territory. Ultimate Care II isn't a record I'll be coming back to that often, but I absolutely have to appreciate the creativity that went into this project. For music listeners out there that want to experience something with some fierce originality, there is a lot to enjoy on Ultimate Care II.… Expand
  4. atmosphericrex
    Feb 19, 2016
    6
    The admirable thing about this record is the diversity of sounds that Matmos are able to produce from a single object, saying this, the soundsThe admirable thing about this record is the diversity of sounds that Matmos are able to produce from a single object, saying this, the sounds don't come together to form something that is directly enjoyable to listen to. If I heard Matmos doing this at a laundromat I would be like "Oh my god, shut the hell up"… Expand
  5. nirvanafreak
    Feb 29, 2016
    6
    A whole record produced just with sounds made by or with a washing machine. Sounds interesting right? Well the concept definitely is but theA whole record produced just with sounds made by or with a washing machine. Sounds interesting right? Well the concept definitely is but the 40 minute long track that makes up this album is a little less interesting. I respect that they only had the washing machine to work with but some of the "drumming" is very simplistic and repetitive. Saying that, there is moments of enjoyment to be had throughout the record, wether it be towards the middle of the piece where trumpet like noises backed by bangs create an IDM style sound or towards the end where the piece reaches its energetic industrial-like crescendo. I had to really fight my inner hipster to not give this album a 10/10 but I couldn't lie to myself. Ultimate Care II is an album to be appreciated more than enjoyed.… Expand

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