Dumb Large Animals (2025) is a sample-based cathartic diatribe of synthesized sound inspired by the current reality we find ourselves living in 2025 in the United States. Conceptual in nature, the tracks flow through thoughts on corporate solutionism, the never-ending love affair with artificial intelligence, MAGA world’s exploitation of the uneducated masses in America, and the greedy exploits of religious charlatans. Influenced by plunderphonics and reined in by the grid, much of the underlying rhythmic content is generated from hacking the voices of leading characters, including: a corporate training narrator who talks in circles, all powerful yet language-challenged AI robots, former presidential candidate Bob Dole, a few southern good ole boys who “solo” using their car engines, and a trio of manipulative preachers. The results are groovy fun and a humorous take on the modern condition.

Album Notes

Clay Chaplin: Max/MSP, Synthesizers, Drum Programming, Samples, Guitar, Vocals
Recorded and mixed in 2025 by Clay Chaplin at Casa Berenice Recordings in Los Angeles, CA
Album artwork and design by Steve Craig
Mastered by Daniel Eaton at Little Castle Mastering, Los Angeles, CA