Less than two years after their debut, Chicago-based psych rock quintet Post Animal have returned with Forward Motion Godyssey. Despite former member (and Stranger Things star) Joe Keery being reduced to a contributor, the band seem more confident than ever.
Post Animal still sound incredibly indebted to their influences — which range from the Australian psych scene to Black Sabbath — but on Forward Motion Godyssey these influences are channelled into generally stronger songwriting. The band also pull from new influences, like early '70s prog rock, on tracks like opener and highlight "Your Life Away."
On standout cut "Post Animal," the band showcase their heavier side, one that continually rears its head on tracks like "In a Paradise" (which sounds like King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard collaborating with Ozzy Osbourne).
Sometimes, Post Animal's eclectic genre-bending psych tendencies don't pan out as well. "How Do You Feel" and "Private Shield" are psychedelic alt-R&B cuts that feel like awkward attempts to blend the Weeknd's style with their own, while "Safe or Not" is psych-disco that bands like Tame Impala have already mastered.
Despite the lesser tracks on the record, Forward Motion Godyssey is a strong sophomore attempt from Post Animal. The band still have yet to truly define their unique identity, but as they are now, they are one of the stronger genre-bending psychedelic rock groups around.
(Polyvinyl)Post Animal still sound incredibly indebted to their influences — which range from the Australian psych scene to Black Sabbath — but on Forward Motion Godyssey these influences are channelled into generally stronger songwriting. The band also pull from new influences, like early '70s prog rock, on tracks like opener and highlight "Your Life Away."
On standout cut "Post Animal," the band showcase their heavier side, one that continually rears its head on tracks like "In a Paradise" (which sounds like King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard collaborating with Ozzy Osbourne).
Sometimes, Post Animal's eclectic genre-bending psych tendencies don't pan out as well. "How Do You Feel" and "Private Shield" are psychedelic alt-R&B cuts that feel like awkward attempts to blend the Weeknd's style with their own, while "Safe or Not" is psych-disco that bands like Tame Impala have already mastered.
Despite the lesser tracks on the record, Forward Motion Godyssey is a strong sophomore attempt from Post Animal. The band still have yet to truly define their unique identity, but as they are now, they are one of the stronger genre-bending psychedelic rock groups around.