Squid – O Monolith

O Monolith, the second studio album by British post-punk band Squid, crash-landed onto the music scene on June 9, 2023, via the esteemed Warp Records label.

A departure from their debut LP, “Bright Green Field,” this sophomore effort embraced a more introspective and melodic soundscape, while still retaining the band’s signature brand of quirky, experimental art-rock.

Recorded amidst the rural tranquility of Wiltshire, England, “O Monolith” drew inspiration from the surrounding environment, domesticity, and the echoes of self-made folklore. The album’s eight tracks, honed and workshopped during live performances, showcased a tighter, more streamlined approach, yet the spirit of raw exploration remained firmly intact.

Lead singles “Swing (In a Dream),” “Undergrowth,” and “The Blades” hinted at the album’s sonic tapestry: skittering rhythms, off-kilter melodies, and frontman Ollie Judge’s ever-engaging, nasally vocals weaving cryptic narratives. Tracks like “Siphon Song” and “Devil’s Den” delved deeper into the band’s newfound melodicism, while “Green Light” and “If You Had Seen The Bull’s Swimming Attempts You Would Have Stayed Away” retained their characteristically frenetic energy.

Critics lauded “O Monolith” for its distinct evolution, praising its ability to balance accessibility with experimentation. Reviewers for AllMusic and Clash described it as a “more streamlined, though still Squid-like sophomore set” and “a completely distinct book,” respectively, highlighting the band’s growth and continued embrace of the unorthodox.