Telehealth - Green World Image

Content Oscillator’s debut was a synth-driven effort that appeared informed by 80s bands like Devo. The thin drum machine sounds and often effected sprechgesang of ‘No Time Lost’ was possibly the best example from the album that impressed at every turn. Here opener ‘[user onboarding sequence]’ asks “What if there was a model for living that connects people, finances, nature, and technology into one seamless experience…welcome to Telehealth”. The voice is that of an unsettling corporate video in a conference centre and sets the theme of the album. ‘The Telehealth Shuffle’ echoes Skinner’s New Wave Vaudeville and announces a tweaked musical direction. The chunky, funky bass is a staple of this record, in this case with its infomercial-style samples. ‘Kokomo 2’ uses Home Counties-style harmonies, the on-beat vocals feel like a mantra. A commercial guide to modern living. ‘Age of Muralcide’ is a highlight with its Gary Numan-style synths. ‘Things I’ve Killed’ is a frenetic, almost manic single. The brilliant ‘Cost of Inaction’s’ chorus “Gotta break it, gotta move, gotta shake it, gotta groove” sums up the album well. ‘Silver Spoon’ sounds like Kim Gordon lamenting “I cannot afford death and taxes anymore”. ’Maria, Machine’ is detuned excellence. Closer ‘Living, Laughing, Loving, Trying’ leaves things on an upbeat note, again the vocal interplay reminding me of Home Counties. Their satirical take on corporate America is fantastically realised and extends to their janky social media postings. Fans of touring mates Snõõper will lap this up.