One never quite knows what they’re going to get from an album that blends electronica with stories of fantasy and the surreal. It could end up being a complete mess. But the talented members of Stateless prove that this type of combination can create a unique and interesting album. Matlida, the newest release from the London-based band, is an album riddled with heavy synthesis, mesmerizing guitar chords, insightful string instrumentation, and creative imagery.

Chris James’s smooth vocals seem like an unlikely match for this genre of music. However the two fit together beautifully. James tells epic stories as Kidkanevil spins turntables and creates a musical vision of beats and melodies. Sturdy’s driving percussion gives the album an edge and Taylor’s bass provides the steady tempo and structure to each track.

The album tells the story of numerous characters. Pulling from dark and mysterious elements, the band agrees that their newest release, “Works as a whole.” Included in the slew of detailed and dreamlike stories is the instrumental track, “Red Sea.” It is a haunting melody emerging from soft guitar chords and ambient noise and is unlike anything else on the album.

While it might be easy to automatically assume this is just another heavily synthesized, electronic album, there is a lot more going on than can be gathered during the first listen. Matilda is the bands attempt at taking listeners on a journey with them. Their excellent use of electronic composition and fusion of classical strings and piano with more modern styles creates a unique atmosphere. The follow up to their 2007 release, it demonstrates their growth as artists and musicians and their desire to break new ground and push their own boundaries.

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