Mock and Toof - Temporary Happiness

by Adrian Huggins

published: 15 / 11 / 2012

Label: Tiny Sticks
Format: CD

Darkly atmospheric and rewarding second album from London-based producers, Mock and Toof

Review

'Temporary Happiness’ is the second album from duo Mock and Toof, or Duncan Stump and Nick Woolfston as their parents would call them. On their last outing they collaborated primarily with vocalists Pollyester and Gavin Gordon, but, however, this time round they have drafted in the oral talents of young Swiss artist Ghostape who lends a hand on half of the tracks on display here. The result is a strong mix of instrumental and vocal tracks, but, however, whenever the vocals are used they are used sparingly and the effect is almost that of another instrument rather than that of straight up singing for the most part. As such, there is a darker feel to this album than previously heard from Mock and Toof. A lot of the tracks, particularly the ones without the vocals remind me of a less complex version of Aphex Twin's less intricate moments, which is surely a good thing. They brim with atmosphere and are full of bleeps and layers of carefully constructed synth action. The lighter moments tread close to the “whisky sipping coupley shag music” vibe that Morcheba have been described as – you get the idea right? It is worth adding that the band have been associated with legendary New York electro label DFA records. If you have heard anything from their roster, you will have an inkling of what to expect. and I’d say that you’d not leave disappointed. For the retro-minded among you I implore you to check out ‘Walking the Streets’ which, in the nicest way, sounds to me more 80s than most of the 80s. Harking back to the DFA link I felt there were certainly a few occasions where I was reminded of LCD Soundsystem – on the tracks with vocals, but due to the previously mentioned minimal vocal there isn’t that same warmth. As also stated previously, this is a darker album, so mission accomplished.

Track Listing:-

1 Confusion Time
2 My Head
3 Sleeper
4 Everything Is Known
5 Don't Work, Don't Care
6 Wake Me Up
7 Happy Crash
8 Get Out the Way
9 Walking The Streets
10 Snowball