Anthology: 10 Years Of SMD — Simian Mobile Disco

Anthology: 10 Years Of SMD is a masterclass in the physical properties of sound.

It tracks the fascinating trajectory of James Ford and Jas Shaw as they moved from the neon-lit, vocal-heavy indie-sleaze era into the deep, cavernous world of modular synthesis.

In the beginning, you hear the grit of the UK club scene: distorted basslines and cheeky vocal samples that defined the mid-2000s dancefloor. As the collection progresses, the vocals fall away, replaced by the organic drift of analog oscillators and the hypnotic repetition of pure techno.

Moments Worth Listening For

The transition from the playful, vocal-driven hooks of Hustler into the darker, more mechanical textures of their later techno output.

The moment the distorted, overdriven bassline in It's The Beat first hits, perfectly bridging the gap between indie-rock attitude and dancefloor utility.

The intricate, bubbling modular synth patterns in Tangents that seem to evolve and multiply over a relentless four-to-the-floor kick.

Where This Album Departs

How does Anthology: 10 Years Of SMD sound next to the rest of Simian Mobile Disco's catalogue?

This album stays in step with the catalogue across the board — no axis departs enough to be worth its own note. Hover the dots to see where each one sits.

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