Album of the Week: Superorganism by Superorganism
Superorganism truly are a band of the modern age. Fronted by 17-year-old Orono Noguchi, its members originate from different parts of the world including the UK, South Korea, Australia and others; uniting due to the existence of the internet. Originally, Noguchi connected with New Zealand indie-pop band The Eversons, before three other members joined to form what we now know as Superorganism. Much like their unusual origin story, their sound is refreshingly modern, injecting fun into an otherwise generic pop landscape.
One thing that stands out about this band is their lack of fear when experimenting with sounds. Their mosaic composition style boarders on messy at times, with ‘Nai’s March’ featuring samples from a Tokyo train station jingle and various noises from a nearby arcade that create a discordant interlude in an otherwise calming and melodic song. ‘The Prawn Song’ is similarly strange but demonstrates a depth that isn’t seen in the former track; critiquing the violence and hatred in society by demonstrating that prawns have surprisingly complex social systems but are much more peaceful than humans. The strange squelches and upbeat tempo underneath the lyrics “you do you, I’ll do me / Chillin’ at the body of the sea” reflect the weirdness of this analogy.
Further critique of society can be found in the track ‘Everybody Wants to Be Famous’, with the accompanying music video showing a fictionalised history of the band where they grow a fanbase through unique music, only to sell out to advertisers because they want to be famous. Noguchi’s sooth vocals are counterbalanced by cash register sounds and a champagne cork popping in a cross between M.I.A’s ‘Paper Planes’ and early 90s rave music. ‘Nobody Cares’ features a grungy guitar twang and lackadaisical vocal delivery with lyrics claiming repeatedly that “nobody cares”, explained as both a gift and a curse. Similar glissando guitar riffs are found on ‘Reflections On The Screen’ giving it a Super 8-esque kind of nostalgia that can’t help but inspire a happy tranquillity.
Delving deeper, underneath the colourful soundscape and fun that the band express in their songs, the band display a pessimistic outlook and social commentary that is arguably missing from the majority of pop today. ‘SPRORGNSM’ acts as the bands anthem, asking the fans to “put your mind in my brain and you’ll see” what they’re about. In doing just that, it is easy to recognise that their vibrant and wonderfully unique style is combined with a depth that proves exciting for the future of pop music today.
Article: Mariella Bevan
URY Music Editor: Alex West