Squid - O Monolith Review
Transcendental, ethereal, diatonic and purely a high flown example of how the current post punk scene is still incredibly relevant since the conception of its revival around 5 years ago.
What encapsulates the listener at first is the glaringly obvious fact that Squid have released a new album, which gifts the initial impression of familiarity, in contrast from following some of their compatriots in the scene and creating splinter bands or solo albums - Squid have managed to create a hugely compelling and matured tonality, which is a wonder to experience in a scene that was seeming to only have a momentary dim flame left. You can only sit back and experience the picturesque climaxes of synth and brass elements from exceptional musical talents riddled within the band. From a Kubrick inspired aura onto the heinous acts of musical violence, O Monolith certainly pushes the boundaries of noise inspired punk and math rock.
The music itself is full of shock and awe, ranging from a deep dive with ambience in synth and vocal melodies, right the way through to harsh and acrimonious guitar melodies paired with guttural, throat bursting vocals.
The beauty of O Monolith is that there is always something around the corner, which almost feels unexpected. Even where you’d assume a breakdown or another one of Ollie Judges’ impressive vocal outburst it doesn’t always lead you that way - it doesn’t actually give you the clear and obvious conclusion all the time.
Another huge positive is that work itself has a very seamless notion, regulating tracks will flow into one another even if there is a total shift in direction of rhythm or tone, it doesn’t appear like there is always an immediate start and end thus enabling the listener to fully immerse themselves into the musical journey. The title inherently lends to the fact that there is an anomaly for the listener, it’s new wonder for the left field world to gaze upon which fantastically allows ample room for interpretation, like any monolith would suit that role.
The band have cemented their reputation and identity through this spectacular follow up album. For a band that thrives on mystery and organised bedlam, it would be hard argued that this has not been achieved. The album certainly throws its weight immediately into the foreground of a scene that is very much at large and it would be an absolute joy to experience live in their upcoming gigs. Even after scrutinising the album’s direction, themes and purpose there are so many questions left unanswered and in which only creates a better experience, after listening once you’ll just accept that you probably missed something and will not be able to resist the urge for another revisit.
The album is a hallmark of yet again another Dan Carey masterpiece. Once more working with the genius behind Speedy Wunderground it is always a pleasure to hear signature elements from Dogrel (Fontaines D.C) and Schlagenheim (Black Midi) put into play at the forefront of the post punk scene. O Monolith certainly maintains a level of freshness amidst the desolate and atmospheric lyricism, packed full of existentialism and isolation and purely layered with both chaotic and blissfully abstract motifs.
The singles; Undergrowth, The Blades and Swing (In A Dream) provide complimentary examples of what to expect throughout. Venturing from themes of science fiction, otherworldly possession via alternative spiritual mediums as well as togetherness alongside the unknown. Green Light wholly perpetuates the fierce and confusing nature Squid are so often associated with, allowing a sheer overthrow from the dreamscape elements that provided an ease in the storm.
O Monolith is a stupendous resource for listeners and musicians alike and definitely one to consider when visiting your local record shops and venues. Squid have certainly set the stage for ample competition in the scene and only edged that seat forward to know what’s to come in the future.