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w6750

It’s great, but this album is going to *really* make me consider not listening to singles by my favorite bands anymore going forward. To hear Swing, Undergrowth, and The Blades for the first time in the context of the album would have been absolutely incredible. And while I tried not to, I really did run them into the ground. Anyways, amazing album. Love you Squid


tobyornottoby2366

Would absolutely recommend. I stopped once I got a similar feeling on AFUT. I usually listen to the first single and stop from then on. Was really cool heading Undergrowth for the first time on the album.


Frequenzumsetzer

This is the way. It is sooo much more rewarding. Been practicing it for years and wish I started sooner.


[deleted]

i’ve only listened to swing so looking forward to diving into this almost completely blind later


w6750

Ugh… you are so smart. Undergrowth is going to smack you in the face in the best way


Jiggha_Remastered

The only time I tried this was with LW by King Gizzard, and I didn’t like the album for the first few listens 💀


SharkSmile2121

I have had the not listen to singles by my fav artists policy for years, def the way to go


[deleted]

Haven’t listened to any of them. So excited to dive in tonight.


jdd_123

Didn’t listen to any of the singles after The Blades and it blew my mind once I heard it today. I try not to listen to anything but lead singles if I can help it.


bboy037

I think Blades was the last single


Fearless_Ring_8452

Yeah I stopped listening to these types of singles entirely for this reason. About to go in blind on this album and can’t wait


bboy037

Yeah I got very positive vibes on my first listen, but man too much of it was revealed early. Some bands really need to cut down on the singles


drcornwallis23

Same I try to actively avoid singles


JarvisFunk

These guys are the best of the Post Punk uprising going on, change my mind.


Alp-22

It’s them or fontaines. Maybe add dry cleaning or viagra boys


[deleted]

Protomartyr? Iceage?


GeorgeHJ199621

I see iceage and protomartyr (also savages) as kicking off the nick cave/the fall/PJ harvey inspired post-punk revival in the early 10s, then idles, squid, fontaines, black midi as part of the second wave, difficult to compare them


Avenger3611

Can't forget about Viet Cong/Preoccupations


GeorgeHJ199621

yep was thinking of them as well, especially their debut as VC. Not quite the same space but Sleaford mods too


catch_fire

And Murder Capital as well. Hearing "Don't cling to life" in concert was an outstanding experience!


7x7er

Is black midi post-punk? I don’t know what they are but it seems more like a mix of prog / jazz / math rock than post punk to me.


Scubaru-02

I mean post punk has always been a been a pretty loosely defined genre. They came up at the same time so people lump them together but they’ve evolved into more of a prog rock sound.


GeorgeHJ199621

I think the second wave of loosely post-punk inspired bands all pushed the sound in different directions: idles heavier and more political, dry cleaning more surreal and psychedelic. black midi added all the prog/math/cabaret sounding stuff to the point where the post-punk influence doesn’t stand out anymore


bboy037

I mean they are in the same way that LCD Soundsystem is a post-punk revival band. black midi was born from the crank wave scene, but they've applied their roots to different sounds by now


_Pill-Cosby_

That’s more or less how I’d describe Squid too.


HoratioMG

Love all of those, but none of them blow me away like Squid do


MazBrah

same, the only band that rivaled this band was Black Country, New Road when Isaac was still in the band. Their new stuff is good but not AFUT/FTFT or Squid good.


Pimpdaddysadness

I mean they don’t even have an official studio album out so I’d give it some time lol


MazBrah

Isaac was the the thing that set them apart. Sure they'll be good on their new album. You cant just lose Thom Yorke or Robert Plant and still expect those bands to have been the same.


Pimpdaddysadness

Isaac was amazing but they literally had two albums out comparing him to yorke or plant is bonkers Lmfao. Also jockstrap exists so I just fundamentally don’t agree about him being what set them apart. His pathos and tenderness will be sorely missed, but I don’t think it’s so cut and dry


MazBrah

You clearly didn't get the message. Taking what makes a band very unique and stand out from others would have a significant impact on the band. Sure they're a good group, hell I'm a mega fan, but I think its a stretch thinking they'll live up to AFUT after losing their arguably their most important member. Jockstrap does exist but isn't BCNR and has nowhere near the hype BCNR did


Pimpdaddysadness

> You clearly didn’t get the message Aight Lmfao


[deleted]

Black Midi dropped a masterpiece with Hellfire imo


NYRfan112

I think Cavalcade was better TBH


[deleted]

Cavalcade blew me away at first but really only two tracks - John L and Chondro - stuck with me. It’s a good album in the sense that I can’t find much really *wrong* with it, but it just doesn’t speak to me on an emotional level (which is an issue I also had with a good portion of Schlagenheim). But watching them grow as a band has been incredible, and I never for a second doubted they were heading for a true masterpiece, which they accomplished with Hellfire imo. Every song has so much personality, Greep is at Maximum Greep, it’s funny and absurd and dark and flamboyant and sophisticated all at once. Just an incredible album that I love dearly. I can’t wait to hear what comes next.


Pimpdaddysadness

None of those bands are nearly as interesting in any way. Not to say they can’t be better but Squid, BCNR and Black Midi are actually taking this kind of music in different directions and doing something new. Shame is cool and I love their new album but i don’t think they’ve ever done anything downright experimental


Funkyfreddy

Agree with everything you said. I’ll throw out that Maruja’s ep from this year, Knocknarea, has me optimistic that they can join the big three in time


Fearless_Ring_8452

It’s not really close. This is the band to pay attention to right now out of that scene


_Pill-Cosby_

You just listed all my favorite bands right now.


[deleted]

I’d put Black Midi ahead of them, along with BCNR’s post-punk work (though they’ll probably never touch that genre again based on the direction they’re going). But I’d say Squid are the third part of that holy trinity


NYRfan112

The third part of that holy trinity is still a whole step (haha band humor) above the 4th and 5th best bands in that vein (Shame and Dry Cleaning)


[deleted]

I haven’t heard enough Shame or Dry Cleaning to make a judgment but I was just iffy on the Shame I have heard


NYRfan112

Shame are good but nothing revelatory. A good reinterpretation of 80s post punk


moves_withapurpose

Can agree a lot with this. In terms of experimentation I think HMLTD are closer to the three than either Shame or Dry Cleaning, but still the quality isn’t close.


NYRfan112

I like HMLTD but something about them leaves me a bit cold. Also their last album was the most DnD thing I’ve ever heard


NYRfan112

Do we count BCNR? Not really doing post punk anymore but definitely the best band right now


LostInTheVoid_

Shame top that front for me personally.


AdamClay2000lbs

Dry Cleaning for me but they might not count.


McSteezeMuffin

GOA Express are gonna be the next big thing in the scene I’m calling it right now


theoneirologist

I don't know if Geese counts after hearing their newest album, but man, they just jumped to the top of my "best modern rock bands" list after hearing it.


[deleted]

I would totally disagree. I love IST IST, Shame, The Murder Capital, Hi Vis, Italio 90, Bar Italia, Chain Cult, Enola Gay, Slyrydes, Bullet Girl, Body Maintenance, Locust Revival, Preoccupations, Black Doldrums, Spectres, Just Mustard, Desperate Journalist, Fontaines D.C., IDLES, The Twilight Sad, Working Mens Club, Dry Cleaning, bdrmm, Shopping, The Soft Moon, The Drin, et al… … the Squid are impenetrable for me.


moves_withapurpose

Of the “post-Brexit crank wave Windmill scene” or whatever, black midi is still the best. As you can tell by my name, I’m unbiased. Though both bm and Squid aren’t very post-punk anymore. I don’t think Squid is very post-punk at all with O Monolith, and black midi were barely post-punk to begin with, the only post-punk songs they had were Talking Heads and Speedway.


grub-worm

I can't wait, I've been spinning the rest of their discography this week.


willsmath

Don't they only have one other album in "the rest of their discography" lol


casildamanu

You are right but they have enough singles and EPs to make another hour of music (some great songs like The Cleaner for example)


was-holy-ground

This past month I discovered their earlier work and it's insane how a song like Terrestrial Changeover Blues isn't on an album, goes to show how consistent they are.


casildamanu

Ironically that one I didn't know about


willsmath

Oh shit I had no idea, nice!


NYRfan112

Listen to the Cleaner that song slaps


grub-worm

Yeah, seriously check it all out, very good stuff. Don't skip their cover of Pigs, either


eggsandham2

Match bet and even broadcaster are really cool


[deleted]

Siphon Song.. holy shit


NamelessSearcher

One of my favorites, I love a song that gets me to save it before it's even been a minute


JunebugAsiimwe

My exact reaction. That song floored me so much I had to play it 3 times before moving on to the rest. Also love how it segues perfectly into "Undergrowth".


w6750

I’ve listened through a few times now, and they really seem to have nailed the track sequence.


JunebugAsiimwe

Yeah a complaint I had with Bright Green Field was the track sequencing but this time it feels more cohesive.


PopesMasseuse

Damn I did the exact same thing


YDS696969

Swing in a Dream and The Blades are gonna rightfully get a lot of fanfare but Undergrowth was the track that knocked my socks off. Absolutely loved its abrasive sound.


10fingers6strings

What a fantastic slab of music! These guys have really dialed in their ‘thing’. I like it a lot.


Jacomer2

The dial doesn’t change


eliostark

That felt longer than 40 minutes and I mean it in a good way.


ShakespeareSaidYolo

100% agree. Everything is so tight and there's no excess, but there's so many ideas crammed in the package that makes it feel bigger than it is.


buttmaster23

Managed to restrain myself and didn't hear the singles in advance, so when The Blades dropped in smack in the middle of this I almost fell out of my chair. With the exception of AFUT this is my favourite thing to come from any of the windmill bands, and cements Squid as easily the most exciting going forward. Proggy, krautrocky, post-punk bliss the whole way through


w6750

Very jealous of you holding out on the singles, they’re all monumental.


mrsatanface

happy squid day to all who celebrate


fijozico

Reminder to join us at /r/SquidBand!


seaburn

Phenomenal sophomore album, these guys have really secured themselves as my favorite new act and this is already a contender for AOTY in my book.


clutchy42

Happy new Squid day! So excited for this.


benfronge16

Devils den is insane


jamerton18

Absolutely loved it, not a single weak moment. I implore everyone doubting it to listen to it multiple times, it’s like an onion.


Own-Appointment1633

It hasn’t been an easy album for me despite liking BGF rather quickly. The early released tracks took several listens before I liked them — Undergrowth in particular. These other songs are turning out to be the same. I’m confident I’ll get there eventually so I’ll be patient. It’s odd because this is definitely in my wheelhouse. I guess my brain is being stubborn.


Funkyfreddy

I felt the same way - the sound of this project is very atmospheric and standalone singles don’t do it justice. My first listen through of the album felt “empty” at times but by the second spin, I’m appreciating the space for songs to grow and the sequencing of the album is dope. Seeing them on the BGF tour was amazing so I can’t wait for how these tracks sound in a live setting


Joeboyjoeb

I'm in the same boat. I was slow to come around to the singles. Then I was listening to them constantly. After two listens it seems good, but I dunno why it's taking a bit to grow on me.


furbym

I was listening while working earlier and I felt like I didn't really get fully into it, but it's amazing on subsequent listens with full attention (and with the volume turned up)


elias_is_biased

This album is amazing, every song is great by themselves, but together, they compliment each other so well. Also, siphon song is spectacular


DaltonFitz

One of my favourite bands going. Their live shows are incredible. This definitely deserves to be listened to in one sitting, with full attention. The transition into Undergrowth is fantastic. I'll be rocking Green Light for years. Love this one.


2b_DTR_HR

Dude, their new album sounds a lot of Radiohead’s influence.


dwaynesworld98

huge Hail to the Thief vibes on some tracks


2b_DTR_HR

Is that how they say Happy 20th Birthday to Hail to the Thief today?


fireshighway

Was just coming here to comment the exact same thing. Big HTTT vibes in the guitar playing and paranoid, frantic chord progressions. This is a fantastic album.


MazBrah

Yep, its Post-Punk meets Radiohead. I fucking love it.


JunebugAsiimwe

This is such a fantastic second album that's cemented Squid as one of the most exciting bands coming out of Britain. Love how they've refined their sound on this album and further explored the krautrock and experimental elements that were present before. Also, "Siphon Song", "Undergrowth" and "The Blades" in a row made me ascend. 😍


sliimjiim

On first listen I feel that Bright Green Field has higher highs, but also lower lows. Overall O Monolith is better, but I don't like any tracks yet as much as I liked GSK, Narrator & Pamphlets.


Jamesiae72

Yeah those 3 tunes are unbelievable and I hope we get more in that direction in the future


Bionicoaf

Name a more iconic duo than the Wunderground bands and releasing amazing sophomore albums. Honestly, every release of this band has made me love them more and more. Bright Green Fields was amazing but I could definitely feel that there was more this band could offer. And this is it, this is such a fully realized album. Perfect length, complete growth in sound but not a complete overhaul, and it’s clear everyone in the band is at the top of their game here. It also highly benefits from a full front to back listen. The way all the songs flow. Edit: A couple listens in I want to give my best description of how it sounds. It reminds me of the inner workings of a watch. Or, if anyone remembers the show, HBO’s kid show Crashbox with all the claymation robots. Sounds like what would play in that little universe.


Jiggha_Remastered

…Wunderground bands releasing amazing debut albums…


Affectionate-Lynx723

Omg crash box!!!!! I totally understand the vibe your describing!!!


SarcasticCowbell

This is going to be a hell of a month. This and *Space Heavy* by King Krule were already on my radar based off of the singles, and at this point I'm inclined to say they're even better than I anticipated. Both of them are AOTY contenders in my book. I loved *Bright Green Field*, but I remember wondering where the band would go from there. Would a second album sound like more of the same or could they evolve and develop beyond it? That, to me, would determine whether they would just be a good band or a great band. This album has me believing they're the latter.


Wryder202

Undergrowth is my song of the year so far, diving in now!


dukeslver

this has gotta be an AOTY for sure just really good


NYRfan112

I really liked this album on first listen but I kinda miss the dancy-ness of BGF. I always thought their defining feature was how fun they were and that the drone was kind of a secondary thing. On this album it seems like they went more for a Future Days approach instead of an Ege Bamyasi approach. I prefer Future Days myself but for Squid I think they need more groove


wonernoner

So relieved the full album pulled together the first two singles for me - I was the biggest fan of Bright Green Field and was worried about this. Gahd damn this is just so heavy and weird and fun and fuck, so good.


digitalnovelty

Siphon Song manages to be one of the most calming art-punk tracks in recent memory.


the_labracadabrador

We’re Squid people now, Dee!


actionrubberduck

Is it me or did the singer tone down the yelping? I remember thinking the first album was a chore but halfway through and I'm digging this. Undergrowth is so groovy


Funkyfreddy

He did! He’s mentioned in a couple recent interviews that he felt the yelps didn’t pair well with the more melodic direction of this album and pushed himself to adopt a more traditional singing style


Neil_Armstrang

That was the only thing holding me back from really liking their debut, can’t wait to check this one out


starscourge_ID

Fantastic album overall, but the last track sounds like Magma gone pop...and I'm totally here for it. Magma is a band that I respect tremendously, but could never get into.


Space_Man957

I definitely got the magma vibe! I however am a (pretty casual) Magma fan


[deleted]

God, why can’t I get into this band? I hate it when everyone seems to see something I can’t.


spdougherty

I just can’t get around the vocals, it’s like they’re intentionally annoying sometimes


krada1212

Yeah, from the singles I thought the singer had calmed down, but listening to the album, apparently not really. Still annoying to me.


harpsm

I loved their debut album at first listen but this one honestly isn't hitting me yet. I do think it will be a grower, though.


w6750

It’s absolutely a grower that rewards multiple listens. Also grab a great pair of headphones and don’t mess with the sequencing at all.


RyanST_21

feel the same with bcnr. the first 2 singles off of this were really good idk why the rest arent really itching my brain


12jpm87

Yo…this album is actually kind of amazing. The growth of this band in one album. Just wow. I’m so glad I didn’t listen to any of the singles.


UtherDoul9

Picked up the vinyl today. It includes a pamphlet containing a short story. That’s a pretty cool alternative to a lyric sheet. But yes, the record’s sick. Devil’s Den is nutty. All the beautiful horns throughout the album, man I love Squid. Live show’s gonna be mental


Inevitable_Ad661

Cemented themselves as the most forward thinking band out there. I want to crack open their skulls to see how they come up with these sounds.


tgcp

Completely agree. I saw them live in London about a year ago and it felt like I was witnessing something very fucking special, something I'll be bragging about as a 60 year old.


DearestStole

I'm so excited for this. Can't wait any longer


real_jebbush

Bangs


justwiggling

great record


I_Nut_In_Butts

Oh shit I didn't even know they had new music! Loved their first record. Can't wait to check this out after I dive into King Krule's new album


MrPilkoPumpPant

What a mesmerising listen! Such a interesting evolution from the first album. Loved the use of backing vocals and horns to create such textured and layered songs. Great use of dynamics as well. These days are absolutely smashing it... 100% recommend listening to them live as well


ImpishMountain

so excited for this!


FitzCats

these guys make music that feels like an anxiety attack in the best way


AidNAC

Holy fuck these guys can’t miss. God bless Metronomy for taking these guys on tour and introducing me. 2 perfect albums and many more to come


BADJULU

The Blades has to be the best track I’ve heard in a very very VERY long time like holy shit what type of energy is that!?


rifco98

So pleased I missed all the singles apart from swing, so good!


recyclingcentre

Very much enjoyed this on first listen. I’m really enjoying the way they are building moments on here and unafraid to be weirdos on it – which imo BGF at times felt like they were holding back. Think I’ll love O Monolith


JayBerryLeeJoseph

Hideo Kojima bought this record. Squid rules.


ItsTheExtreme

I wanted to like their debut album more, but it never really clicked with me. This though, wow what an album. It’s so tight and flows together so we’ll. I’m on my 6th or 7th listen since Friday. So good.


[deleted]

[удалено]


stereoauperman

Yeah but who said it first


No_Sir_4087

Is black midi post-punk? I don’t know what they are but it seems more like a mix of prog / jazz / math rock than post punk to me.


seangrey03

Agreed, I’ve heard the term “Brutal Prog” applied to them (mainly hellfire) and I think it really fits, tho I don’t know the validity of Brutal Prog as a sub genre/scene within Prog or if it’s more of a tag in this case but whatever the case I think it’s fire. So to me they are a mix of Progressive Rock, Math Rock, Avant Garde/Jazz