THE WILD RIDE OF POST-EXOTICISM: How Babau’s “The Sludge of the Land” is REDefining Music

Get ready for a journey that will take you back in time, to the era of Martin Denny and his iconic album Exotica, released in 1957. This NYC-born composer and his band were the pioneers of a new sound that would become a global phenomenon, incorporating animal sounds, Latin pop influences, and traditional instruments from Asia and Polynesia.

Fast forward to 2025, and we have Babau, a duo composed of Luigi Monteanni and Matteo Pennesi, who have been navigating the world of post-tradition traditions for over a decade. Their latest album, The Sludge of the Land, is a game-changer, exploring the kitsch that lurks behind more respectable musical forms.

The Birth of Exotica

In the 1950s, Martin Denny and his band were under contract with Don the Beachcomber at a Hilton hotel in Honolulu, where they developed a unique sound that would become known as exotica. This genre was characterized by the use of animal sounds, Latin pop influences, and traditional instruments from Asia and Polynesia.

The new sound became a global fad, with artists like Yellow Magic Orchestra covering Denny's "Firecracker" with a futuristic synth-pop interpretation in 1978. This cover not only delighted in the song's catchy appeal but also subverted its chintzy orientalism.

The Evolution of Exotica

Today, the tactics of recombination and pastiche have become well-established in experimental music. Artists are reframing the odds and ends of the past and present through contemporary insight. Babau is at the forefront of this movement, having navigated these post-tradition traditions for over a decade.

Their label, Artetetra, and monthly Milan residency, Future Pidgin, have hosted a wide range of artists, from Carl Stone to Foodman. They've also done academic work on "transglobal sonic subcultures," solidifying their position as leaders in the experimental music scene.

The Sludge of the Land

Babau's latest album, The Sludge of the Land, is a masterpiece that promises to unsettle your sensibilities. The album explores the churning zone of kitsch that lurks behind more respectable musical forms. With a wide range of sounds, from muscular percussion to saxophone squawks, this album is a wild ride.

Tracks like "The sound of a continent moving…" and "As long as blue hours unravel…" showcase the duo's ability to mash up detritus from all over the map and create something new and exciting. The album is a testament to Babau's unique perspective and their ability to keep on mashing.

Technical Breakdown

So, how do Babau create their unique sound? The answer lies in their use of a wide range of tools and techniques. From Ikue Mori sample-trigger rituals to Orange Milk-adjacent MIDI choir theatrics, the duo's bag of tricks is endless.

They also incorporate tools from experimental music, such as Valentina Magaletti kitchen-sink drum thwacking and Sun Araw haze. The result is a cohesive sound that is both experimental and accessible.

What’s Next?

So, what can you do to stay ahead of the curve in the world of experimental music? Here are a few tips:

• Stay open-minded and willing to experiment with new sounds and techniques.
• Explore the world of post-tradition traditions and discover new artists and labels.
• Support artists like Babau who are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in music.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, Babau's The Sludge of the Land is a game-changer in the world of experimental music. With its unique sound and wide range of influences, this album is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead, give it a listen, and experience the wild ride of post-exoticism for yourself. And don't forget to enable 2FA and stay safe online, because in the world of music and cybersecurity, you can never be too careful!