Robots. Dancing. Alone.
OUR FIRST ALBUM
In June 2019, Methodical Madness was put together by Benjamin Duddy. In Thomas' memory, Benjamin and Eloise Martin-Sarre decided to work on a project to spread awareness and raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust. The idea for the album came about in early June, but recording didn't start until mid-July, giving the team slightly over a month before the set release date of the 26th August (5 years to the date Thomas Martin-Sarre passed away). All profits of the album went to the Teenage Cancer Trust and it is believed just under £2000 was donated both locally and nationally.
The album originally had 14 tracks, all apart from the introductory track are covers. When asked, a spokesperson from the band said, "we were aiming to do a couple of original songs but with the time constraints it just wouldn't have been possible".
Music Video: The Promise
Songs
Intro
The opening track, entitled 'Intro (The Story of Thomas / Methodical Madness)' is a spoken story-telling episode of Thomas Martin-Sarre and his battle with cancer, aswell as Methodical Madness' aims and intentions for the album. Several of Thomas' family members and acquaintances are included in this track.
Untouchable
The lead and only single from 'Robots. Dancing. Alone.' was a cover of Girls Aloud's 2009 hit, 'Untouchable'. The lyrics were deemed fitting and emotional. The album title originates from lyrics of this song. The radio mix of the song was created for commercial use and promotion on radio stations. It was mixed by Dan Kanopka. The radio mix does not feature the other 18 members of the group but sticks to the album's core 8 members, Benjamin Duddy, Daniel Loller, Jack Le Blancq, Joshua Le Breton, Eloise Martin-Sarre, Lauren Baker, Joel Atkinson and Elaine Lowe. Unlike the album version, the radio mix follows a different structure, ending on the middle 8, similar to Girls Aloud's radio mix. The vocals are filled with vocoder to create a dance-like feel and the backing instruments are also different.
Human
Following the lead single is a seemingly identical copy of The Killers' 'Human'. The song follows the electronic vibe of 'Untouchable (Radio Mix)' and showcases some promising vocals from Loller and Atkinson.
Wake Me Up
A return to Girls Aloud for the fourth track. Wake Me Up was deemed a "more conservative" take on the original. It includes an extra verse which Girls Aloud recorded for an 'alternative version' of the song. The vocals and instruments are less electronic than the previous songs and Duddy demonstrates some powerful belting over the final chorus.
On a Night Like This
On a Night Like This, originally by Kylie Minogue, returns to the electro-pop sound of the first tracks. The track is similar to the original with Martin-Sarre performing the whispered sections.
Best of Me
The sixth track, Best of Me is the only song on the album that differs greatly from the original. It was selected by Le Blancq and translated from Korean to English by Duddy. The backing track was played (on guitar) and edited by Loller. It is fully acoustic and has been complemented on it's creativity.
In the Middle
In the Middle is a dance-song originally performed by Sugababes. The version is slower however, and is the only album track ending with a fade out.
The Promise
The Promise features Guernsey vocalist Gabrielle Setters, who is not included in the 26 members as her vocals were added to the track late in the recording process. The Promise is the only song on the album that has an accompanying music video. It is currently the most successful song from the album. A remix was released in 2023 entitled, "The Belval Road Remix".
My Immortal
Next up is Evanescence's 'My Immortal', which stands out for it's rock-genre and depressing lyrics.
Wherever I Go
Wherever I Go, originally by OneRepublic is next on the list.
The Kids Aren't Alright
Returning to the rock genre, this is a Fall Out Boy cover, instrumentally recorded by Loller.
It's Time
The penultimate track is It's Time, originally by Imagine Dragons. Duddy & Le Blancq lead this track with many members of the group joining in the final chorus.
Untouchable (In Memory of Thomas Martin-Sarre)
The album version, edited by Canadian mixing engineer Don Nafe, runs for 6 minutes 35 seconds and was stylised as 'In Memory of Thomas Martin-Sarre. This particular version consists of 26 vocalists, all singing individual lines culminating in everyone singing in unison for the final chorus. Benjamin Duddy takes the lead in the other choruses, which feature his closest friends and family members. The album cover was designed by Lowe, featuring Thomas' favourite animal, an owl.
