The experimental rock-post-punk-jazz-fusion band that is Squid are back sounding as uniquely themselves as ever. Coming in at only 41 minutes across the span of only 8 songs O Monolith leaves the listener in a dizzying haze wondering what they have just listened to, whilst simultaneously wanting more.
After breaking into the music scene back in 2019 with their critically acclaimed EP Town Centre, the Brighton-based Squid captivated listeners all over the world with their unusual experimental rock sound.
Fast forward to earlier this month where the band released their second album, O Monolith, an album in which Squid sound even more confident and comfortable in their own sound than on their previous album.
Recorded in Wiltshire, this album does not reflect that of a quaint English countryside. With a mixture of improvisational jazz, classic rock elements, and electronic instrumentals, the album creates a sound that could be described as organised chaos in the best possible way.
The album opens with an unexpected electronic beat as the track Swing (In A Dream) starts off the album. The songs quickly transcends into the expected improvised jazz-sounding signature style of Squid. This opening song perfectly encapsulates the madness that is yet to come on the remainder of the album.
The haunting lead vocals of Ollie Judge grace the tracks that follow, Devil’s Den, Siphon song, and after the flash, which are all deceptively slow and mellow to start off but crescendos into a heavy and distorted rock song
The common theme within the album is an overall eerie feeling through the form of a dream-like sound. The unease the listener feels as they know this gentle tune will turn into something chaotic is what keeps their audience captivated. In an Instagram post, the band stated, “This album is about fears, whatever may or may not be beyond the skies, death, rats, and bedside cabinets”, which is the reason for this unsettling feeling that the audience can hear in many of the songs.
The tracks Undergrowth and Green Light are reminiscent of the songs from their previous album which shows how even through experimenting with different sounds the band will always stay true to their original disorderly melodies.
While O Monolith may not be to everyone’s taste, it is extremely easy to see how talented these individuals truly are. With every listen to the album something new can be heard which is a songwriting skill that many artists can only wish to possess and leaves the audience wondering, what Squid can possibly come up with next.
Words by Jodie Marshall