Animals
The guitars draw attention almost constantly on Animals. Clear notes tumble over one another while the drums seem to keep choosing a different route. TTNG, then known as This Town Needs Guns, turn that activity into music which can be busy without sounding heavy. The gentle singing provides a human counterweight. It produces some lovely moments, although all the parts do not always find the same direction.
The impressive guitar playing is both the greatest strength and the main problem. Melodies change quickly, and the musicians move smoothly through complicated rhythms. When similar figures return, however, the songs can begin to resemble each other. The voice also has to struggle through too many notes at times. A softly sung tune makes less impact when the backing constantly wants to show something new.
That helps "Elk" stand out. Acoustic guitar, horns and eventually drums have room to build something together. The instrumental holds back and makes a stronger impression because of it. A large explosion is unnecessary for the emotion to register.
"Crocodile" also finds a better balance between voice and instruments. The singing feels properly connected to the playing. Backing vocals add an unusual atmosphere to "Lemur", while the delicate closing "Zebra" shows how much a small change in intensity can achieve. Extra colours appear sparingly, which gives them more weight.
Animals asks for patience with its busy passages and familiar guitar figures. In return, it offers plenty of careful interaction. The debut works best when the band lets its technical ability serve a clear mood. Those many notes then become part of a song that can mean something even without an interest in complicated time signatures.
