SQUID
Bright Green Field
(Warp)
As it is for many artists, the tumultuous background of the last few years sets the scene for Squid's debut album 'Bright Green Field'. After releasing two EPs prior to this, the band delivers an exhilarating album that is a heavily cathartic response to the restraints of the world the band inhabit.
Squid wear their influences on their sleeve as they incorporate elements of punk and math rock alongside its strained vocals, sax, and compressed guitar. It is no surprise to find out they are inspired by New Order, Aphex Twin, Radiohead, and LCD Soundsystem as well as being contemporaries of artists like black midi and Black Country New Road as every so often a track will come up that feels like a long lost number by one of these artists. It begs the question of whether or not this album is truly unique or merely a result of more boundary-pushing projects that it's seeking to imitate?
This isn't to undermine the clear talent of the band or insinuate that it is a joyless project to listen to. The piercing screams which conclude the eight and a half minute 'Narrator' add a thrilling conclusion to the song as it explores the terrors in conformity as the phrase "I'll play my part" is repeated over and over until it feels as though they have grown hollow and meaningless to singer Ollie Judge and he is merely repeating it out of desperation and necessity. There are also some great moments of instrumentation such as the delightful trumpets that flutter throughout 'Documentary Filmmaker' and the electrifying guitar riffs on 'Paddling' that give the song tinges of urgent joy.
SQUID - Bright Green Field
'Bright Green Field' is an enjoyable and competent album that sometimes feels more like a sum of its parts than a fully realized project. The band has a genuine talent which is evident throughout and hopefully, they will grow and mature past this debut.
Main Image of Squid at the Beach: Holly Whitaker
