It was almost too easy to fall in love with Minimal Animal and his latest album I Thought We'd Be Happy Here. This is dream pop taken to the next level. Gorgeous vocals hit you deep before you even know what happened. Powerful lyrics are unapologetic in their vulnerability. There were also so many fantastic production techniques that make all of the songs very three dimensional. Nicholas Alexander creates an intimacy that is not often found in this genre.
"Rise" is the opening track and it's a haunting, emotional beauty. Being introduced to the vocals for the first time is one of those deep breath moments. Such a rich and romantic tone to his voice had me completely undone. At the first note, I was all in. He utilizes a lot of iridescent electronic instrumentation. Everything about the musical element emits light and energy and so yes while the song is rife with emotion, there's a lot of ambient light to it as well. It feels very cathartic and personal. Next up comes "Happy Here." The subject matter comes through pretty quickly and illustrates the dismay in a very unique fashion. There's a deconstruction to this one that seems to act as metaphor for someone being torn apart and who is now adapting to their new form. I really loved the key element on this one. Following the emotional front end of the album is something a little more curious with the third track, "Discount." It is merely a short, minute long interlude that was recorded on a phone in the east end of London on Petticoat Lane. It features what sounds like a retail store announcement audio looped in a way that is so thoughtful and insightful. Usually I don't give interludes like this much thought, but there is something so poetic and playful about this that I feel a strong need to give it its due. This one minute speaks so much about the kind of artistry Minimal Animal wants to present. Last, but by no means the least, is "Not Giving." It starts with slow building keys and a little bit of fuzz. There's also this vocal harmony that pours into string and saxophone elements that explode into an emotional climax. So many beautiful and fantastic layers make this track a real heart thumper. This album is stunning and deeply original. It's strange that I know many would find this album to be niche somehow. However I truly believe Minimal Animal can cast a very wide net with just these four tracks. In the day and age of Internet sensations popping up over night, I have a lot of confidence in what this artist is capable of. Give it time. Now when it comes to what will be next, I may not be as patient. That's the problem with these lovely little short albums. If I love it I simply feel teased. Best of luck to Minimal Animal. This one really, truly was a pleasure.
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