Not every song finds its place on an album, but occasionally a track develops a life of its own. Captains of Entropy’s‘ Ball Under Couch’ is one of those rare outliers; a piece originally left outside the final running order of ‘The Flea & The Worm’ that proves too imaginative, too charming and too emotionally resonant to remain hidden away.
Clocking in at eight minutes, the track never feels indulgent. It unfolds like an unhurried journey, allowing its loose, groove-oriented foundation to gradually evolve through subtle shifts in texture, rhythm and atmosphere. Drawing inspiration from jazz fusion, psychedelia and cinematic instrumental music, the trio create a sound that feels exploratory without losing its playful spirit.
Warm bass lines provide a steady pulse while expressive keyboards drift effortlessly between dreamy ambience and vibrant melodic flourishes. While the rhythm section never dominates the arrangement, allowing each musical idea room to develop naturally. It’s a performance built on patience and chemistry, reflecting the improvisational roots from which the band first emerged.
But what elevates ‘Ball Under Couch’ even further is its accompanying animated video, created by collage artist Laura Matikainen. Constructed painstakingly by hand over the course of three months, the visual centres on Rubin, bassist Reilly Wareham’s late chihuahua, transforming a simple canine adventure into an unexpectedly moving celebration of memory and companionship.
But rather than dwelling on loss, the animation embraces joy, as Rubin bounds through colourful, ever-changing landscapes in pursuit of a tennis ball, wandering through dreamlike environments that blur reality with imagination. The handcrafted collage aesthetic perfectly complements the music’s free-flowing character, creating an experience that feels simultaneously whimsical, nostalgic and quietly profound.
Following the release of ‘The Flea & The Worm’, Captains of Entropy continue to demonstrate that they are at their strongest when following instinct rather than convention. Their ability to merge improvisational musicianship, cinematic imagination and understated storytelling creates a distinctive artistic identity that refuses to fit neatly into any single genre.
With this new groove, the LA trio have transformed an album outtake into a touching tribute, an inventive visual experience and a reminder that some of the most memorable creative works are born from genuine affection and curiosity. Equal parts heartfelt homage and psychedelic adventure, ‘Ball Under Couch’ is a wonderfully idiosyncratic release that celebrates both the joy of music and the lasting imprint left by those we love.
