Brighton’s own Squid is back, and they’re diving headfirst into an even more audacious and experimental soundscape with their latest album, “Cowards.” This new endeavor isn’t just a continuation of their creative journey; it pushes boundaries like never before.
Exploring Complex Characters
At first glance, the title “Cowards” might seem contradictory to the band’s identity.
This UK outfit is celebrated for merging genres like jazz and art rock, and they don’t shy away from creating intricate musical tapestries that capture the attention of both enthusiasts and critics alike.
Ollie Judge leads the charge with his dual role as vocalist and drummer, flanked by guitarists Louis Borlase and Anton Pearson, bassist Laurie Nankivell, and the multifaceted Arthur Leadbetter.
In a lively early morning chat with Guitar.com, Borlase and Pearson underscored their unconventional vibe, playfully claiming they don’t fit the mold of a typical rock band.
What’s fascinating is that the name “Cowards” doesn’t serve as a mirror for the band’s intentions.
Instead, the nine tracks weave tales filled with complex characters—sociopaths, ambitious leaders, and other figures whose sinister motives provoke thought and reflection.
The lead single, “Crispy Skin,” particularly stands out as it draws inspiration from the unsettling novel “Tender Is The Flesh,” which delves into dark aspects of humanity.
Innovation Through Collaboration
Although the band prefers not to label their work as overtly political, they create music that invites listeners into the minds of these characters, exploring varied moods and atmospheres with finesse.
Their goal is to allow their art to evolve organically through collaboration, where unexpected complexity often leads to their most compelling pieces.
“Cowards” follows suit after their earlier projects, including “O Monolith,” released in February 2022, and their critically acclaimed debut, “Bright Green Field,” from 2021.
Squid’s creative momentum is palpable; they’re continuously pushing forward without hesitation.
The addition of distinct collaborators like Danish artist Clarissa Connelly and composer Tony Njoku further enriches their sound, showcasing their commitment to innovation.
Remarkably, even with a multitude of collaborators, Pearson remarked that the recording process remained familiar and comfortable.
The band’s confidence in the song structures came through clearly, allowing spontaneous inspiration to flow effortlessly in the studio.
Their collaborative environment breathed new life into delicate musical elements, striking a balance without overwhelming complexity.
This sense of ease was further amplified by the band’s legendary Marshall amp collaboration, which added a rich, resonant texture to their sound.
Each member contributed their unique flair, blending genres and experimenting with dynamics, resulting in a fresh yet cohesive sonic experience.
As they layered their ideas, the magic of teamwork transformed the recordings into something truly special, capturing the essence of their artistic vision.
Excitement for Live Performances
Throughout the development of “Cowards,” Squid maintained their signature jamming sessions, crafting their sound with care.
Borlase highlighted a notable advancement in this album with Leadbetter’s introduction of the cello, combined with a unique pedal that created an ethereal texture throughout.
As they navigate through their third album cycle, the experiences they’ve gathered as live performers and studio musicians have fostered a nurturing atmosphere.
With Marta Salogni and Grace Banks producing, the band enjoyed a refreshing ease during recording, a welcome change from the intensity associated with producer Dan Carey.
This new dynamic allowed them to expand their creative horizons while still incorporating elements of Carey’s distinctive influence.
In terms of instrumentation, Borlase has his trusted arsenal, including a Martin 000-15 for gentle acoustic moments and a USA Telecaster for more aggressive riffs.
Meanwhile, his Gretsch Electromatic Duo-Jet adds grit to the mix, enabling him to channel intensity when necessary.
On his end, Pearson favored a vintage 1970s Fender Stratocaster and a modified Telecaster, along with a cherished Faith Jupiter acoustic guitar, which added warmth and richness to their sound.
Such choices illustrate their dedication to exploring a variety of sonances through their instruments.
Every new album brings the excitement of envisioning how it will resonate live, and the band is eagerly looking ahead to performing “Cowards.” During rehearsals, they strategized on ways to engage their audience, crafting special moments destined to captivate listeners.
As each member reflects on their personal favorite tracks, a spark of creativity ignites, promising electrifying performances that will bring “Cowards” to life starting February 7.
With this new chapter, Squid is poised to continue their evolution, setting the stage for even more thrilling musical experiences on the horizon.