Rooted in belief in a future without oppressed people, poverty, war, borders or oligarchs, faceless observer Middle Name John has debuted with the brooding single ‘Different’. The single arrives as audiences first glance into Middle Name John’s upcoming album Obviously Confidential, a commentary on the fatigue of late-stage capitalism through electronic experimentalism.
Co-produced and mixed by Alessandro La Barbera, ‘Different’ is a scattered spoken word delivered over a heavily processed, computerised beat. Lo-fi aesthetics introduce rising beeps and distorted fuzz into instrumentation grounded in a steady yet slightly uneven drum beat and bass hum. All these elements swirl together for a uniquely absorbing soundscape. Uneasy and disjointed feelings are blended with a bewitching relatability, pioneering a futuristic atmosphere.
Middle Name John explains the upcoming debut album, “The recording process for this album was the most scattered of any project I had embarked on before. We were all locked down in a global pandemic but I knew I wanted to start a new project. I wanted it to be lyrical while reflecting on the strange times we were all experiencing as a society. I also knew that I wanted to work with a couple of close friends in whatever capacity I could, to somehow reach a level of interplay while embracing the bizarre limitations laid out in front of us.
The limitations of recording during a global pandemic inspired the music. Rather than trying to create a band sound I wanted to have a crack at creating something “in the box” or quasi-electronic. I was using contorted guitar sounds on wacky drum samples to ignite lyrical sparks that reflected the confusion and uncertainty of a time. And I don’t think the feeling of that time has gone away, thus it feels relevant to put it out.”
‘Different’ is out now, give it a listen here
