The vocoder sound is a result of how the vocoder, the mic, and the Echoplex felt like working with each other that day. They seemed to be friends for that one. Most times, they’re at war.

Tobacco re:Sweatmother, Keyboard Magazine

Synthetic and live drums alike are both amplified to the point of borderline physical discomfort, basslines melt into riffs that growl like oversized predators [...] It doesn't take a lot to make old technology sound damaged and creepy. But taking the next step and making that creepiness sound appealing is what makes Maniac Meat the feel-weird hit of the summer.

Nate Patrin, Pitchfork