MG 'The Third Chimpanzee E.P.' 2021

The track was worked on by:

Artwork: Pockets Warhol

Mastered By: Stefan Betke

Mixed By: Q (19)

Producer: Martin L. Gore

MG "Mandrill" release 17 November 2020

Martin Gore Unleashes New Track "Mandrill"

First Taste From Forthcoming EP, "The Third Chimpanzee"

'Mandrill' is the first release from Martin Gore's forthcoming 5-track instrumental EP, The Third Chimpanzee, which is to be released January 29, 2021 by Mute. The track is a ferocious slice of electro, and, like the four other tracks on the EP, has Martin's hugely atmospheric musical trademark stamped all over it. 'Mandrill' was produced and written by Martin and recorded this year at Electric Ladyboy in Santa Barbara, California.

"The first track I recorded had a sound that wasn’t human. It sounded primate-like. I decided to name it 'Howler', after a monkey. Then, when it came time to name the EP, I remembered reading the book 'The Rise and Fall of the Third Chimpanzee'. It all made sense to call it that, as the EP was made by one of the third chimpanzees."

Martin L Gore

MG "Howler" release 7 January 2021

Martin Gore releases the haunting 'Howler' today on Mute. It's taken from the forthcoming 5 track instrumental EP, The Third Chimpanzee, out 29 January 2021.

"Howler was the first track I recorded for The Third Chimpanzee EP," Martin says. "I resynthesized some vocals that almost sounded human, but not quite. That's why I decided to name the track after a monkey. I thought that would be a good theme to carry on with the rest of the tracks."

Like the entire EP, 'Howler' paints a cinematic musical landscape that sounds like a new dawn. Written and produced by Martin Gore, it was recorded at Electric Ladyboy in Santa Barbara, California.

"The first song I recorded was "Howler", and the vocals sounded a bit like a blues scream at first. When I heard it after I got rid of the synthetic sound, I had the feeling that it no longer sounds human. It's more like it came from another primate. That's why I decided to call the song "Howler"".

Martin L Gore

Release Date: 29th January 2021

Catalogue Number: 12MUTE629

Catalogue Number: CDMUTE629

12” – Limited Edition Azure Blue Vinyl packaged in a debossed sleeve. Includes art print and hi-definition audio download.

CD – packaged in a spined wallet with inner sleeve and debossing.

The Third Chimpanzee E.P. is the brand new EP from Martin Gore, one of the founding members and primary songwriter of Depeche Mode. Over 5 brand new tracks Gore explores euphoric modular sounds and develops his career’s long relationship with electronic music. The EP follows his eponymous album MG in 2015 and SSSS, his collaboration with Erasure’s Vince Clarke for their VCMG project. The artwork was created by Pockets Warhol, a capuchin monkey based in Canada who paints for charity.

Side A.

1. Howler

2. Mandrill

Side B.

3. Capuchin

4. Vervet

5. Howler’s End

The Third Chimpanzee Remixed

Release Date: 20th August 2021

Depeche Mode's guitarist, keyboardist and primary songwriter Martin Gore's first solo effort in six years, The Third Chimpanzee EP resumed the heavy, instrumental synthesis of Gore’s past extracurriculars with a bilious set of industrially-tainted synth sound designs. True to form, and true to his esteemed status among the legions of his latter-day followers, The Third Chimpanzee gets its remix due from a cohort of Gore admirers.

The breadth of work Gore’s originals has inspired on his disc is diverse — ranging from eerie ambient and cybernetic electro to foreboding industrial rave and pin-sharp footwork — even as each rendition continues mulling over the deep, dark stuff. The distance between Wehbba and Jlin’s versions of ‘Capuchin’ is far-flung, the former darkened by big room sonics, the latter driven by a masterfully contained rhythmic chaos. Meanwhile, Barker and MoReVoX spin ‘Mandrill’ into furious, slippery beasts worthy of the track’s primate namesake, as Rrose finds an unexpectedly slow-burning pace through the dirge of glitched electronics.

Despite the spectacular sonic acrobatics, The Third Chimpanzee Remixed has the air of a single visionary artist. That’s testament to what Martin Gore has achieved throughout his career and beyond.

The artwork was created by Pockets Warhol, a capuchin monkey based in Canada who paints for charity.

12" (12MUTE629) + DIGITAL (UK)

Digital Download

1. "Howler" 04:56

2. "Mandrill" 04:01

3. "Capuchin" 03:53

4. "Vervet" 08:27

5. "Howler's End" 02:00

● MATRIX: RUNOUT / BARCODE

Barcode:   5400863041700

Label Code:   LC27959

Runout SIDE A:   A 12MUTE629 pole · scape mastering

Runout SIDE B:   B 12MUTE629 pole · scape mastering

Vinyl record format:   Stereo A - 45rpm / B - 33 ⅓ RPM

STICKER:

MG

The Third Chimpanzee

New 5 Track EP from

Martin Gore

features Howler & Mandrill

Limited Edition

Azure Blue Vinyl

includes Art Print

& Download Code

Front Cover name "Breaking the Fourth Wall" and back cover name "Fiona". Side A plays at 45rpm, Side B plays at 33rpm. 12" - Limited Edition Azure Blue Vinyl packaged in a debossed sleeve Includes art print and hi-definition audio download.

L12" (2x12" Limited Edition)(L12MUTE629) + DIGITAL (UK)

A

"Howler" (ANNA Remix) 06:21

"Mandrill" (Barker Remix) 05:38

B

"Capuchin" (Wehbba Remix) 08:44

"Vervet" (JakoJako Remix) 05:28

"Howler" (Kangding Ray Remix) 04:36

C

"Howler" (The Exaltics Remix) 05:31

"Mandrill" (Rrose Remix) 06:57

D

"Capuchin" (Jlin Remix) 03:28

"Vervet" (Chris Liebing Remix) 09:12

"Mandrill" (MoReVoX Remix) 05:10

Digital Download

1. "Howler" (ANNA Remix) 06:21

2. "Mandrill" (Barker Remix) 05:38

3. "Capuchin" (Wehbba Remix) 8:44

4. "Vervet" (JakoJako Remix) 05:28

5. "Howler" (The Exaltics Remix) 05:31

6. "Mandrill" (Rrose Remix) 06:57

7. "Capuchin" (Jlin Remix) 03:28

8. "Vervet" (Chris Liebing Remix) 09:12

9. "Howler" (Kangding Ray Remix) 04:36

10. "Mandrill" (MoReVoX Remix) 05:10

● MATRIX: RUNOUT / BARCODE

Barcode:   5400863049782

Label Code:   LC27959

Runout SIDE A:   BL34099-01 A1 A L12MUTE629 Pole @ Scape Mastering

Runout SIDE B:   BL34099-01 B1 B L12MUTE629 Pole @ Scape Mastering

Runout SIDE C:   BL34099-02 C2 C2 L12MUTE629 Pole @ Scape Mastering

Runout SIDE D:   BL34099-02 D1 D L12MUTE629 Pole @ Scape Mastering

Vinyl record format:   Stereo 33 ⅓ RPM

STICKER:

Martin Gore

The Third Chimpanzee Remixed

10 track double 12"

Remixes by

ANNA, Barker, Wehbba,

JakoJako, Kangding Ray,

The Exaltics, Rrose, Jlin,

Chris Liebing, MoReVoX.

Limited Edition

Side AB Transparent Orange

Side CD Transparent Blue

+ Download Code

U2MU126.29

Front Cover name "From a Pale Blue Dot". Side AB transparent orange vinyl. Side CD transparent blue vinyl. Packaged in a sleeve with artwork by Pockets Warhol and 3 complimenting metallic inks. Includes high definition audio download code.

X12" (2x12" Limited Edition)(X12MUTE629) + DIGITAL (UK)

A

"Howler" (ANNA Remix) 06:21

"Mandrill" (Barker Remix) 05:38

B

"Capuchin" (Wehbba Remix) 08:44

"Vervet" (JakoJako Remix) 05:28

"Howler" (Kangding Ray Remix) 04:36

C

"Howler" (The Exaltics Remix) 05:31

"Mandrill" (Rrose Remix) 06:57

D

"Capuchin" (Jlin Remix) 03:28

"Vervet" (Chris Liebing Remix) 09:12

"Mandrill" (MoReVoX Remix) 05:10

Digital Download (WAV)

1. "Howler" (ANNA Remix) 06:21

2. "Mandrill" (Barker Remix) 05:38

3. "Capuchin" (Wehbba Remix) 8:44

4. "Vervet" (JakoJako Remix) 05:28

5. "Howler" (The Exaltics Remix) 05:31

6. "Mandrill" (Rrose Remix) 06:57

7. "Capuchin" (Jlin Remix) 03:28

8. "Vervet" (Chris Liebing Remix) 09:12

9. "Howler" (Kangding Ray Remix) 04:36

10. "Mandrill" (MoReVoX Remix) 05:10

● MATRIX: RUNOUT / BARCODE

Barcode:   5 400863 054496

Label Code:   LC27959

Runout SIDE A:   BL 34099-01 A1 A L12MUTE629 Pole @ Scape Mastering ⋀⋀

Runout SIDE B:   BL 34099-01 B1 B L12MUTE629 ⋀⋀ Pole @ Scape Mastering

Runout SIDE C:   BL 34099-02 C2 ⋀ C2 L12MUTE629 Pole @ Scape Mastering

Runout SIDE D:   BL 34099-02 D1 v⋀ D L12MUTE629 Pole @ Scape Mastering

Vinyl record format:   Stereo 33 ⅓ RPM

STICKER:

Martin Gore

The Third Chimpanzee Remixed

10 track double 12"

Remixes by

ANNA, Barker, Wehbba,

JakoJako, Kangding Ray,

The Exaltics, Rrose, Jlin,

Chris Liebing, MoReVoX.

Limited Edition 450

pressed on stylish green vinyl

+ exclusive print by

Pockets Warhol

Includes Download Code

X12MUTE629

bleep.com Green vinyl, limited to 450, with exclusive Pockets Warhol "The Gene Genie" art print + download code.

CD (CDMUTE629)

1.   "Howler" 04:56

2.   "Mandrill" 04:01

3.   "Capuchin" 03:53

4.   "Vervet" 08:27

5.   "Howler's End" 02:00

● MATRIX: RUNOUT / BARCODE

Barcode:   5400863041717

Label Code:   LC 27959

Runout:   manufactured by optimal media GmbH CDMUTE629 AK29458-01

Mould SID Code:   IFPI L576

Mastering SID Code:   IFPI 9742

STICKER:

Martin Gore

The Third Chimpanzee

New 5 Track EP

features

Howler & Mandrill

Made in UK. CD - packaged in a spined wallet with inner sleeve and debossing.

LCD (LCDMUTE629) UK

1. "Howler" (ANNA Remix) 06:21

2. "Mandrill" (Barker Remix) 05:38

3. "Capuchin" (Wehbba Remix) 8:44

4. "Vervet" (JakoJako Remix) 05:28

5. "Howler" (The Exaltics Remix) 05:31

6. "Mandrill" (Rrose Remix) 06:57

7. "Capuchin" (Jlin Remix) 03:28

8. "Vervet" (Chris Liebing Remix) 09:12

9. "Howler" (Kangding Ray Remix) 04:36

10. "Mandrill" (MoReVoX Remix) 05:10

● MATRIX: RUNOUT / BARCODE

Barcode:   5400863049799

Label Code:   LC27959

Runout:   LCDMUTE629 AL41131-01

Mould SID Code:   IFPI L578

Mastering SID Code:   IFPI 9702

STICKER:

Martin Gore

The Third Chimpanzee Remixed

10 track CD

Remixes by

ANNA, Barker, Wehbba,

JakoJako, Kangding Ray,

The Exaltics, Rrose, Jlin,

Chris Liebing, MoReVoX.

LCDMUTE629

Made in the UK. Triple gatefold card sleeve with artwork by Pockets Warhol.

IMUTE629 (MUTE, UK) 29 January 2021

Digital Download 5 x File | FLAC | MP3 320 kbps

1.   "Howler" 04:56

2.   "Mandrill" 04:01

3.   "Capuchin" 03:53

4.   "Vervet" 08:27

5.   "Howler's End" 02:00

ILMUTE629 (MUTE, UK) 20 August 2021

Digital Download 10 x File | FLAC

1.   "Howler" (ANNA Remix) 06:21

2.   "Mandrill" (Barker Remix) 05:38

3.   "Capuchin" (Wehbba Remix) 08:44

4.   "Vervet" (JakoJako Remix) 05:27

5.   "Howler" (The Exaltics Remix) 05:30

6.   "Mandrill" (Rrose Remix) 06:57

7.   "Capuchin" (Jlin Remix) 03:28

8.   "Vervet" (Chris Liebing Remix) 09:12

9.   "Howler" (Kangding Ray Remix) 04:36

10.   "Mandrill" (MoReVoX Remix) 05:09

DIGITAL: FLAC | MP3

MUTE UK 25 February 2021 (I1LMUTE629)

1.   "Howler" (ANNA Remix) 06:19

Martin Gore's 'Howler', remixed by ANNA. Anna Miranda, DJ and producer from São Paulo, Brazil.

MUTE UK 19 May 2021 (I2LMUTE629)

1.   "Vervet" (Chris Liebing Remix) 09:12

Martin Gore's 'Vervet', remixed by Chris Liebing.

MUTE UK 25 June 2021 (I3LMUTE629)

1.   "Capuchin" (Jlin Remix) 03:28

Martin Gore's 'Capuchin', remixed by Jlin.

MUTE UK 23 July 2021 (I4LMUTE629)

1.   "Mandrill" (Barker Remix) 05:38

Martin Gore's 'Mandrill', remixed by Barker.

Mandrill

Release 17 November 2020

Written by Martin Gore

Produced by Martin Gore

Video directed by M-I-E (creative studio, London)

Notes: The accompanying visual is a cosmic trip through the jungle.

Howler

Release 27 January 2021

Written by Martin Gore

Produced by Martin Gore

Video directed by NYSU

Howler

Release 7 January 2021

PRODUCTION DETAILS TRACK

"Howler" 04:56  •  Artwork: Pockets Warhol, Mastered By: Stefan Betke, Mixed By: Q (19), Produced By: Martin L. Gore

"Mandrill" 04:01  •  Artwork: Pockets Warhol, Mastered By: Stefan Betke, Mixed By: Q (19), Produced By: Martin L. Gore

"Capuchin" 03:53  •  Artwork: Pockets Warhol, Mastered By: Stefan Betke, Mixed By: Q (19), Produced By: Martin L. Gore

"Vervet" 08:27  •  Artwork: Pockets Warhol, Mastered By: Stefan Betke, Mixed By: Q (19), Produced By: Martin L. Gore

"Howler's End" 02:00  •  Artwork: Pockets Warhol, Mastered By: Stefan Betke, Mixed By: Q (19), Produced By: Martin L. Gore

"Howler" (ANNA Remix) 06:21  •  Producer, Remix Production, Mixed By: Ana Lidia Flores Miranda

"Mandrill" (Barker Remix) 05:38  •  Producer, Remix Production, Mixed By: Barker

"Capuchin" (Wehbba Remix) 08:44  •  Producer, Remix Production, Mixed By: Rodolfo Wehba

"Vervet" (JakoJako Remix) 05:27  •  Producer, Remix Production, Mixed By: JakoJako

"Howler" (The Exaltics Remix) 05:30  •  Remix, Transformed and Encoded: The Exaltics

"Mandrill" (Rrose Remix) 06:57  •  Producer, Remix Production, Mixed By: Rrose

"Capuchin" (Jlin Remix) 03:28  •  Producer, Remix Production, Mixed By: Jlin

"Vervet" (Chris Liebing Remix) 09:12  •  Remix, Producer, Additional: Chris Liebing

"Howler" (Kangding Ray Remix) 04:36  •  Producer, Remix Production, Mixed By: Kangding Ray

"Mandrill" (MoReVoX Remix) 05:09  •  Producer, Remix Production, Mixed By: Sabino Cannone

MG "The Third Chimpanzee" exclusive broadcast 28 January 2021

Join Martin on Thursday January 28th for an exclusive first listen of his brand new EP, live on Facebook.

Commencing at 3pm EST/8pm GMT/9pm CET, the full EP will be broadcast live through Martin’s Facebook page with Martin providing commentary during the stream. The Third Chimpanzee will be released digitally, on CD and on Azure Blue Vinyl the following day.

Martin Gore:

"To get the "vocal" sound, I recorded my voice and then resynthesized it. As I've mentioned before, the end result didn't sound quite human to me -- sort of like a primate relative. So, I called the track "Howler" after the howler monkeys that I've heard on many of my visits to Costa Rica.

It was only after we went into lockdown mode that I started to think about writing some more instrumentals, partly because I wasn't inspired to write lyrics.

I feel that it's especially hard to write lyrics when you barely leave the house, see anyone, or experience anything other than the same repeating day.

This track, Mandrill, was the second one I recorded.

After I had the basic beat for it, I had the idea to resynthesize more of my vocals over the track to tie it in with Howler.

For people asking about gear, the vocals were resynthesised by sending them through part of my eurorack system, specifically the Rossum Panharmonium.

From here, the concept was born -- each track would feature a manipulated vocal and would be named after a monkey.

This song, Capuchin, was the third track I recorded.

I made the bass line using one of my favourite bass tools: the RSF Kobol (expanders I and II).

But first I started out with the beat you hear here, which felt a bit fun and wonky to me

And then the rest of the sounds created sort of a sci-fi western vibe on top of it.

Maybe you hear it? Maybe not?

I don't know, I feel like whenever a writer tries to talk the audience through the artistic thought process it never goes well. Maybe these things are best left unexplained…

This song, Vervet, was the last one I recorded.

More about gear -- here again I have used the RSF Kobol, this time combined with the Frequency Central System X modules in MU format, to create the bass sound.

I'm not sure exactly where this song fits on the darkness/fun scale. What do you think? My idea of dark is a bit off at the best of times, but I feel that the events of the last few years and the isolation of the pandemic have definitely shifted my shades.

I really like the slow build of this track. And even though there are a lot of elements involved at times, they fit nicely around each other and it never sounds too claustrophobic to me.

Anyway, after finishing the music and naming each track after a different monkey, it was time to think about a name for the EP. I got inspiration from a book I read a while back called The Rise and Fall of the Third Chimpanzee, by Jared Diamond.

In the book he makes the point that human and chimp genes differ so little that we should really be considered the third chimpanzee, after chimps and bonobos. And I loved the title The Third Chimpanzee for the EP as I felt the music referred to the blurred line between humans and monkeys.

And it felt especially fitting in a time when I question whether or not we are more evolved than our monkey friends on a regular basis.

For people asking about the artwork, I was struggling to come up with an idea for a while. Then, one evening, it hit me: I remembered that some monkeys paint.

I googled for a while and stumbled upon Pockets Warhol, who is a Capuchin monkey who lives at a sanctuary in Canada and he paints for recreation.

I reached out to the sanctuary via email explaining who I was and what I was planning and asked if they would be interested in getting Pockets to do the artwork for me. They got straight back to me, saying that they would love Pockets to be involved.

And I loved how this helped to blur the lines further between Humans and monkeys. The Third Chimpanzee was born.

This track closes out the EP. Howler's End is as the title suggests, the end of Howler. The music has really been stripped back to the main melody and its harmony, however.

Back to the western theme for a second, there is something about this melody that reminds me ever so slightly of Morricone soundtracks. Maybe you hear it? You don't have to.

Thanks for joining me and listening. I hope you enjoyed this little journey together!"

discussion album

2021