Gloorp: Experimental Percussion Gets Unsettlingly Fun

Experimental percussionist Garrett Burke, based in Philadelphia, has released 'Gloorp Life,' a collection of dense and antic tracks that challenge listeners with their blend of unsettling and enjoyable sounds. Burke's process involves collecting and manipulating peculiar noises, such as wet slaps and gurgles, which he then layers through digital tools like Ableton and MIDI drum pads, adding extensive effects. This meticulous sound design, influenced by artists like SOPHIE, Battles, and Matmos, results in music that oscillates between aggression and playfulness, aiming for a unique union of discomfort and danceability.

Following his 2025 album 'Gloorp 'Em Up,' 'Gloorp Life' continues Burke's exploration into the tactile nature of drum hits. Tracks like "Swag" and "Whatsapp" feature rhythms that superficially echo drum 'n' bass but possess uniquely visceral, almost organic sound qualities. "Jeggings" conjures an image of chaotic plumbing sounds, while "Bali Mode" introduces squelching noises. The album maintains a fleeting duration, comparable to a SpongeBob SquarePants episode. The concluding track, "Real Life," offers a shift with fewer layers and subtle minor chords, creating an immersive soundscape that invites immediate re-listening.