Men’s wicked actions: Bullies defeated by courage

Emerging during the latter part of the 2010s, Squid joined Black Midi and Black Country, New Road, forming a remarkable trio signed under the South London singles label Speedy Wunderground. This collective was a breath of fresh air for British guitar music, bringing together exceptional musical skill with a wide range of influences to create some of the most innovative and experimental rock music the nation had seen in years.

Led by Ollie Judge, a dynamo drummer and vocalist, Squid quickly gained a dedicated fan base through their cosmic rock tunes full of yearning and depth, bridging the gap between trendy post-punk vibes and the classic sounds of 70s rock from Canterbury and Cologne.

Notable tracks like ‘Houseplants,’ influenced by the Contortions, and ‘The Cleaner,’ a disco-tinged number with a no-wave twist, showcased the band’s talent and garnered critical acclaim. Their debut album, Bright Green Field, dropped in 2021 on the esteemed label Warp, further solidifying their position in the music scene.

While their initial success marked Squid as an electrifying rock group and a top contender in the UK’s music landscape, their musical journey hit a roadblock as they moved forward. Unlike the catchy rock tunes of Bright Green Field, their 2023 release, O Monolith, veered towards a more textured sound as they explored new musical territories.

This musical evolution culminated in Cowards, their edgy third album. Squid aimed to shift their songwriting from the abstract style of O Monolith to something more concrete with Cowards. The music on this album has become stranger, more surreal, and vivid, expanding their sonic universe. Elements like modular synths, discordant strings, and delicate brass melodies take center stage, overshadowing the band’s twin guitars and exploring new textures and sounds.

Described as a contemporary Pet Sounds with a darker twist, Cowards incorporates studio-crafted sounds and post-rock elements reminiscent of Talk Talk and Bark Psychosis. Tracks like ‘Well Met (Fingers Through The Fence)’ showcase Squid’s ambition, combining drones, glitch synths, and ethereal vocals to paint a vivid sonic landscape.

From eerie ambient pop reminiscent of David Sylvian to jazzy fusion numbers like ‘Cowards,’ Squid explores various genres on Cowards, pushing the boundaries of their musicality. Even their more rock-oriented tracks like ‘Crispy Skin’ or ‘Building 650’ are tinged with eccentricity, blending genres seamlessly and creating cinematic and evocative music.

The lyrical content of Cowards delves into themes of evil and human nature, offering a series of vignettes from the perspectives of cannibals and murderers. Ollie Judge’s abstract and vivid lyrics paint evocative images and add depth to the album. The overall tone of the album reflects Squid’s continued growth and experimentation as they embrace their weirdness, pushing their boundaries and exploring new musical horizons.

In conclusion, Cowards is a testament to Squid’s evolution as a band, showcasing their willingness to get weirder, wilder, and more exploratory with time. While some may long for the band’s explosive krautrock roots, Squid’s fearless approach to post-rock and fusion on this album demonstrates their dedication to expanding their sound and pushing the limits of their creativity.