album review: superorganism
THE ARTIST
What do I even say? Where do I start? Who do I thank for blessing me with an ability to find great music? So many questions, but no answers...
Shocking is the first word that comes to mind when I think of Superorganism. I can’t remember the last time I listened to an album in full and was just in awe of its originality. The eight-member band founded in 2017 combines a unique mix of electronic and pop, but not the traditional alternative pop we’re already used to listening to in our daily mixes. Rather, this supergroup has found a way to create distinct backdrops that blend a weird mix of strange noises, synthesizers and random everyday sounds (i.e. rain pounding down on the window pane, a clock ticking, airplane noises made with a mouth, car horns, a frog croaking, etc). Against all odds, this musical explosion is making a name for itself and it’s just getting started.
THE VOCALS
The vocal range of Orono Noguchi does not fit the description of your typical lead singer. She has this chill, laidback, almost monotone feel to her voice. Most times, “monotone” is used in a negative connotation. But the combination of her voice with Superorganism’s brand of music brings a unique character to the band’s sound. When she sings, it’s like she’s not worried about a damn thing – she’s just singing her music and I feel so fucking cool during those three minutes and 24 seconds while she does her thing.
THE DEBUT ALBUM
Like most people, the first single I heard from the band was “Everyone Wants To Be Famous.” I remember listening to the “New Music Friday” playlist Spotify puts together every Friday and the song played by accident (I typically queue up songs from the playlist I think I’ll want to listen to). Normally, I would’ve change the song immediately, but I was distracted, so I let it play. Next thing I knew, I had the track on repeat. I was amazed at how someone could write something that’s so catchy and simultaneously on par with the feelings of every person in existence: everybody DOES want to be famous. Yes, you too.
The first track off the album, “It’s All Good” immediately had me hooked. Every time I listen, I get this strange up and down feeling, a rotation between basic and extraordinary. The build up to the lyric “It’s all good” feels like a reflection of a gradual climb to greatness. Then on the last round of repetition, the word “good” comes in differently with a sudden switch into the harmony, and it’s back to reality for me. This feeling continues throughout the rest of the album and I don’t know if it’s supposed to make me feel good or bad, but the feeling is foreign in a way that is more intriguing than anything else.
Out of every track on the album, “Something For Your M.I.N.D” makes the least sense to me and that’s why it’s one of my favorites. The lyrics jump from topic to topic and it’s hard to keep up with the storyline, but I realized that was the reason for writing this song. It’s not supposed to make sense because the more you try to decode the lyrics, the more confusing it gets. You’re just supposed to enjoy the song for what it is. It’s truly something for your mind.
The title track and the name of the band, “SPRORGNSM” encapsulates the whole purpose of forming this massive band; it’s a reminder that we’re stronger together. Music is supposed to be weird and crazy and awesome and different and a collaboration. And when you’re lucky to have friends that happen to be super talented, it’s possible to create the unimaginable.
If you take anything away from listening to this album, remind yourself to feel what you want, say what you want, do what you want, and most importantly: give zero fucks about what others think. You literally have one life, so why use your one chance at happiness worrying about someone else’s opinion? Surround yourself with the people who want to see you be a better version of yourself.
THE FUTURE
What’s next for the eight-member band? This is only their first album, so I imagine there’s plenty more to come from this Superorganism.
Illustration by Sarah Caroline, based on the Superorganism album art.