Calliope Music Rapid Reviews
Squid - O Monolith
U.K. Experimental Rock band, Squid Returns for a Sophomore Effort of Dense Kraut and Ascending Art Punk.
Following the critical success of the Brighton band's debut, Bright Green Field, the group expands a multidisciplinary sound, experimenting further into a thick eclecticism of Punk music. Lukewarm drumming and sinister bass grooves begin lengthy developments that swell into mighty masses of fizzing guitar and obtuse instrumentation. A wide variety of sounds complement simple drum rhythms, ranging from corking horns to choral backing vocals and searing electronic jabs. This diversity in noise escorts conniving passages, seamlessly contorting traditional Rock patterns with a Fusion-like abundancy.
Lead singer, Ollie Judge adds a foaming cynicism to the project, shouting of digital apocalypse, mundane reincarnation and hypocritical politicians. Perhaps Squid's most potent message comes in the 5th track, 'The Blades.' Here, Judge rips apart the psyche of police brutality, placing a triple entendre on the meaning of "The Blades." The Blades represent patrolling police helicopters, the police themselves, and the "blades of grass" that protestors and civilians become as they are cut down from oppressive law enforcement. The repeated imagery of these blades spinning and diving paints a tragic picture of violence and insecurity.
While lyrically and musically O Monolith is quite clever, not every progression or experiment works in its entirety. Most notable on the tracks, 'After The Flash' and 'If You Had Seen The Bull's Swimming...' the initially intriguing environments of foreboding basslines and tasteful horns fail to develop in fruitful ways. Where earlier tracks find a balance between intricate rising acts and explosive conclusions, these songs apt for more cut and dry plots, removing some of the album's mechanical enthusiasm.
Considering all Squid's new LP has to offer, it is certain that the band has struck once again, fine tuning an impressively twisted sound. Even with a few miscreant movements, there is still an incredible consistency of brimming guitar work matched with ominous Punk grooves and multifarious climaxes. Pour in a fiery display of a vocal commentary and O Monolith earns its title as an imposing force of art and rhythm.
Best Tracks: Swing (In A Dream) -- Siphon Song -- Undergrowth -- The Blades -- Green Light
7.5/10
See Website For More Reviews: Calliope Music
Comments
Post a Comment