Following such a well thought out and meticulously assembled album as ‘Bright Green Field’ was never going to be an easy undertaking for Squid and, at first, it really wasn’t. Frontman Ollie Judge found himself in the rut to end all ruts when it came to writing for the album that eventually became the excellent ‘O Monolith’.
Inspiration came to him in a dream, outlining the kaleidoscopic opening track Swing (In A Dream). In typical Squid fashion it borders on the absurd, and so does the ensuing Devil’s Den, which will appease the mathcore-shoegaze craving fans, with Judge’s signature yelping vocals returning for the first time this record.
The five-piece embrace longer tracks once again, creating grand chambers of sound, each meeting with a different experience for the listener.
Siphon Song is a six minute exercise in exerting pressure on the listener, before Squid dive into the longest trek of the album, Undergrowth. Filled with the ghoulish sounds of a swamp at night, or the seediness of a fictional sewer city, it is tremendous fun.
The Blades is, at first, full of jabbing guitars that tease in and out of the track, manipulated by a brass hum throughout. They morph into a constant twisting sort of havoc around Judge’s proclamations-turned-lyrics and he gladly embraces the disorder.
It might have taken some doing but, once again, Squid have thought up the most provocative body of music that they can. ‘O Monolith’ is challenging, unique and very, very satisfying. offering another unique album to bless the ears of fans.
Squid Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Fri October 13 2023 - BRISTOL SWX
Sat October 14 2023 - BRISTOL SWX
Mon October 16 2023 - BIRMINGHAM Birmingham Town Hall
Tue October 17 2023 - LEEDS O2 Academy Leeds
Wed October 18 2023 - MANCHESTER New Century
Sat October 21 2023 - GLASGOW Barrowland Ballroom
Sun October 22 2023 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE Boiler Shop
Tue October 24 2023 - BELFAST Mandela Hall
Wed November 01 2023 - LONDON Troxy
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