Experimental artist SM–88 has dropped a wild, synth-heavy album titled “The Year 2976,” blending an absurd narrative with a unique mix of musical styles. The album takes listeners on a chaotic journey where super-intelligent beavers, led by a whimsical version of former President Jimmy Carter, take over the Earth. It’s an unpredictable mix of comedic storytelling and epic world-building that’s meant to entertain, confuse, and provoke thought in equal measure.
SM-88’s sound is a mix of what he calls a “cosmic gumbo,” drawing from artists like GODSCOMPUTER, 100GECS, and FATBOY SLIM. Fans of vintage gaming soundtracks, synth-pop, and glitchy beats will find familiar elements throughout the album.
“I’m fascinated by society’s obsession with conspiracy theories, which informs the narrative’s absurdity,” explains the project’s mainbrain Trevor, adding that the album plays on the intersections between politics, nature, and the unexpected forces that shape our world. The album coincides with Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday, adding an extra layer of surrealism to the project.
SM-88’s storytelling is just as unconventional as the music. The narrative of “The Year 2976” begins in 1980 when beavers become super-intelligent and strike secret deals with the U.S. government.
These deals lead to the creation of “The Forever Serum,” granting eternal youth to celebrities like Bill O’Reilly and Sandra Bullock, who are part of a group known as The Seven Chairs of the Galactic Elite.
Chaos ensues as a global backlash leads to a military operation to eliminate the beavers. The story follows a young boy named Sam Everson, who becomes a servant for the Beaver Empire before rising through the ranks as a smuggler.
“It’s a playful narrative,” Trevor notes, “but there’s also this deeper commentary on society and power dynamics. It’s a cosmic gumbo—totally absurd, but there’s something to it that makes you think.”
As part of the album release, SM-88 is premiering a new track titled “The Set Up,” which brings a fun late ’90s club vibe to the mix. The song follows a plot where Bill O’Reilly sets up another character to be ambushed by the Beaver Government. “The track has this nostalgic club energy, but it’s also tied into the bizarre storyline of beavers and conspiracy,” Trevor shares.
While “The Year 2976” is the focus right now, SM-88 is already working on his next album, “The Time Dam,” which he plans to release by next spring.
As for live performances, SM-88 is currently concentrating on developing the project, though Trevor is open to future opportunities. “Right now, I’m more focused on refining the visuals and the overall project, but I’m definitely considering taking this to live audiences when the time feels right.”
