Squid return with a new single, tour, and a playable game
The post-punk newcomers from Brighton will release their sophomore album along with other creative endeavours.
Photo: Michelle Helena Janssen
What an amazing time for fans of the post-punk band Squid. The British band is coming back in full force with a mass amount of surprises for their fans and newcomers alike. Their sophomore album, entitled O Monolith, will be released on 9 June 2023. In support of their new album, they will embark on their biggest tour yet. Taking place across the UK and the United States, it will span from winter 2023 to spring 2024.
The lead single from their second album, Undergrowth, was released alongside the slew of announcements. Clocking in at a tad over six and a half minutes, the song starts with a dramatic sonic opening, quickly shifting to an indie vibe. It has haunting elements in its background with indescribable, mysterious sonics, but puts lead singer Ollie Judge’s vocals at the forefront. His vocals are accompanied by striking electric guitar, simple yet effective punk precision, and a groovy baseline underneath all of its elements. Undergrowth takes listeners on a wild sonic journey; perhaps its intended for what comes with it.
Inspired by the song, video game designer Frank Force developed a game to help promote the song. Force describes the game as “...as an interactive music video where gameplay and animation is synched up to the music and changes as the song progresses, moving into different phases.” Designed in an 8-bit format, the song is engrained into the gaming experience and is a unique twist on song promotion in the modern age. It’s a fun, interactive experience for anyone looking to support the band and its developer. Play the game here.
Recorded partly in Bristol and in Peter Gabriel’s luxe Real World studios (Wiltshire), the band takes their debut with them into their new era but expands on it in new ways. Existential in a personal way, it sees the band maturing while finding inspiration in folklore, countryside influence, and their environment, it’s Squid’s next step in becoming a post-punk powerhouse.
O Monolith will be available on June 9th via Warp Records