An apt name for this project is definitely Shadow Animal. What is seemingly one shape can be something else, as a silhouette or extension. The latest album brings a lot of different tones and energies to one plane surface, to be able to make the play between melody and sound. This one is called Dreams We Build. Let’s dive right into it.
Follow Your Dreams might open with a simple chord progression and spoken word lyrics. What is building under the surface is the projection we talked about. Simple bass layers hide in the background, as the poem reverberates with purpose. The melodies are just the dramatic outlines of what you’re experiencing. When this crafts beautifully into the nuanced track Trophy Room, you can understand the depth of what is happening.
Each track might be as personal as it can get, but for some reason, they are relatable enough to be your past in some other reality. Percussion parts and tempo changes magnify what the lyrics are able to express with such truth to it. As though the track has incredible variations, I feel they reflect very well the tempo of the feelings when once felt. It is a re-enactment, carried out with precision. A shadow, returning through time to relive some memories.
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Carry Me brings a much more recognisable rock groove to the track immediately. It has many more layers, while having the tendency to suddenly shift gears at any time. Still, Shadow Animal stays true to its character, jamming out to a creative tune that is exciting to dream out.
What will continue to surprise you is the powerful diversity and versatility you’re shown in one album. Again, Hope And A Plan prepares a spoken word track with riveting melodic pieces. Percussions come in like a heartbeat, then the lyrics as a narrative. Another Night continues with a disco like fervour. This is a funky number, while there are transitions before and after that are complete contrasts. Call the lyrics satire or social commentary of the things we have ignored-the result is something intense.
Fleeting Dreams might almost seem like the inclusion of jazz in an otherwise experimental album. This project is the output of one extraordinary individual and his compassion to compose something that is representative of his style. This is the result that is most worth admiring.
Soft saxophone can just bleed into the song and almost react as though it always belonged there. As you go through interludes as well, you’re taken on a journey through light and darkness. From tales to expressions and observations, Shadow Animals is complex and thought-provoking. The melodies might be familiar, but their execution is never. This is an invitation to a dream he dares you to take. Why don’t you take the chance?:
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