ON THE RECORD

ALTERNATIVE/INDIE

God Save The Animals
By Alex G

Alex G is an American musician, producer and singer-songwriter who started his career with DIY self-releases. God Save The Animals is his ninth album released by Domino Recording Company. The songs on this one feel like they’ve been produced from the bedroom or garage. They’re easygoing with simple lyrics and music. However, neither is simplistic.
One wonders why the album is so named but when you listen to the words, you sense a tension that’s commonly experienced in relationships with people, with oneself even – is that why? There’s a wide range of musical elements, which showcase the artist’s creativity, from simple, stringy guitars and clear, crisp drumbeats to voice distortions and background whispers for added effect.
The opening After All starts with a guitar piece that gives off country music vibes. It then transitions into a trance-like sound, setting the mood for the rest of the album. When you’re halfway through, the sound changes in Cross The Sea, which is completely different from the tracks right up to that point; almost seeming to have Eastern-influenced music and beats. Following it is Blessing, which is heavily characterised by indie-rock elements. The LP has foot-tapping numbers, such as Runner, Early Morning Waiting and Headroom Piano, that keep the spirits high and slower ones, such as Immunity, Miracles and Forgive, which balance things out.
All in all, this album is the perfect background score to an evening indoors, by the fireside or even outdoors around a campfire, offering intense emotional themes to mull over.

ALTERNATIVE/INDIE, POP

Moss
By Maya Hawke

Maya Ray Thurman Hawke is an American actress, model and singersongwriter. Earlier this year, she released the single Thérèse and announced the release of Moss by record label Mom + Pop Music. She has been quoted as saying “music is the best way to communicate poetry” and those are exactly the vibes Moss gives off. The music is soothing, simple with the acoustic guitar standing out. It makes you picture Hawke sitting on her bed, strumming away and pouring out her innermost thoughts. These thoughts are deep, we realise when we try to study the lyrics of the songs that cover diverse themes.
The album starts with Backup Plan where Hawke declares: “I wanna be anything you’ve lost that you might be lookin’ for”. There are undertones of friendship here, love even. Bloomed Into Blue suggests a struggle to be yourself against a world that’s trying to change you, fit you into a standard mould, leaving you with no other choice but to disappear. The tambourine in the background adds a certain light-hearted element, in keeping with the tone of the LP.
The music picks up pace in Sweet Tooth, an ode to Hawke’s mother, you’d think. However, the song is so relatable, it could be about mothers around the world: “I’m grateful for everything you put me through. It’s the only reason I’m any good to talk to. When I’m sick or suffering, I’ll still call you. About my big, sore sweet tooth.”