Animal Animal's Aphrodisiac
Review: A Powerful Preview of Debut Album Wrong Party
The Hype Around Animal Animal Continues to Grow
Anticipation has been steadily building for the release of Wrong Party
, the debut album from rising alt-rock outfit Animal Animal. The quartet has cultivated a loyal and rapidly growing fanbase thanks to their electrifying live performances and consistently impressive studio releases.
Following the success of their EP St. Sinclair's Love Affair
and a string of well-received singles, Animal Animal have earned a reputation as one of the most exciting bands on the alternative rock scene today.
Earlier this month, the band dropped the high-energy anthem Velvet Hammer, a track that received widespread praise and secured significant radio airplay. Now, just weeks later, they return with another standout release in the form of Aphrodisiac.
Aphrodisiac
Showcases a Different Side of Animal Animal
While Velvet Hammer
thrived on raw energy, Aphrodisiac
takes a more measured and atmospheric approach. The track unfolds through layers of textured guitars, with riffs weaving in and out of the mix to create a rich sonic landscape.
The song's chorus is instantly memorable, delivering the kind of hook that lingers long after the track ends. Animal Animal expertly play with dynamics throughout, keeping the verses restrained before allowing the guitars and drums to expand during the chorus. A subtle tempo shift, accentuated by increased snare hits, injects additional momentum into the song.
Everything builds toward a powerful finale, where crunching guitars and pounding drums combine to create an intense and emotionally charged conclusion.
The Story Behind Aphrodisiac
Speaking about the song, vocalist Saul explained why Aphrodisiac
holds a special place on the album:
Aphrodisiac, for me, is my favourite song on this record. It's atmospheric and somber and the lyrics feel really honest. It's like this character was stranded or left behind and all of his pent-up anger is spilled into the lyrics. The verses feel like a conversation and the bridge at the end is the conclusion of those conversations. In a way, it's like our break-up song.
Saul also highlighted the role producer Alex Vinci played in shaping the track:
Alex Vinci really helped us with the harmonies on this track. Not to say we weren't prepared...we were...but where a great producer shines is pushing a track and its players to their limit and making it the very best it can be, and that's exactly what Alex did. I remember recording 'Aphrodisiac' with Alex and Rob, and the one phrase we kept saying was 'Make it sexy! Make it sexy!' That was the foundation for all of our guitar parts and soon became the mantra for the rest of the album. As long as it was sexy, we would be flying.
Final Verdict
Aphrodisiac
demonstrates Animal Animal's ability to balance melody, atmosphere, and intensity while showcasing a more emotional side to their songwriting. It's a track that steadily builds, rewards repeat listens, and further cements the band's reputation as one of the most promising acts in alternative rock.
If this latest release is any indication of what's to come, then July 16th is a date that alternative rock fans should have firmly marked in their calendars. With Wrong Party
just around the corner, Animal Animal appear ready to deliver one of the most exciting debut albums of the year.
The single, Aphrodisiac, is available through all streaming platforms.
Photo Credit: Animal Animal
