The Problematics- Ratatat vs SomeKindaWonderful

Ratatat is an electronic duo out of Brooklyn, New York. They are comprised of college friends, Mike Stroud (guitar, melodica, synth, and percussion) and Evan Mast (bass, synth, and percussion), who first worked together in 2001, recording under the name Cherry. They released Ratatat's self-titled album in 2004, which was entirely instrumental. They have collaborated and remixed many well-known, successful artists.

SomeKindaWonderful is rock band from Cleveland, Ohio. They were formed by Jordy Towers (vocals) with Matt Gibson (Guitar) and Ben Schigel (drums), whom he met in a bar. Later, the added two more members: Justin Andres (bass and keyboard) and Sarah Dryer (backing vocals and percussion). They released their first album in 2014, a self-titled. Later that year, they also released a single, "California Love"; a cover of the 2Pac classic. They are now working on their second album.

The music used in "The Problematics" is from Ratatat's song "Cream on Chrome"; the vocals are from SomeKindaWonderful's unreleased single, "The Problematics". "Cream on Chrome" is a funky techno song, featuring a lot of unique and creative combinations of different synth patterns and sounds. Jordy's voice combines perfectly with the bluesy sound of the music. The lyrics are about a dysfunctional relationship, and the music builds along with the lyrics. The little 'ohs' and 'ahs' added throughout the sing give it character and really fill in the space left by the instrumental. Ratatat's music and Jordy's lyrics seem to come together perfectly to create this masterpiece.

These two are an implausible, yet completely believable pairing. They are able to combine in a way that makes it seem like this could easily be the original recording of the song. I, personally, hope they work together again in the future. SomeKindaWonderful added emotion to "Cream on Chrome", and Ratatat added a modern touch to "The Problematics" that is unlike anything SKW has done in the past.

Ratatat's Website
SomeKindaWonderful's Website
Listen to "The Problematics"