The Giraffes – The Shot (self-released)

The Giraffes – The Shot (self-released)

20 August 2024

Since their eighth album, cigarette promises “a score for our present age of decay and disappointment, of fear and anger, of idiocy and hope”, This first taste is, understandably, a suitably beguiling and mercurial beast. “The Shot” may begin its life in a strange, angular, slow-burning place, but it gradually adds all sorts of additional distorted tones, robotic textures, raw layers, and harsh additions along the way to its final destination.

Beats build, guitars melt into more riff-oriented sounds, additional vocals blossom and join the crowd, and after a brief respite, the song plunges us into its sparkling second sonic act, which is more driving and groovy, capturing a hint of that latent post-punk funk that works so well with bands like Talking heads. Soon we're pushed towards a grungy psychedelic surf crescendo, a light arabesque and an artistic explosion before the song finally fades into the night.

I like this message too, when I think about how Generation X, to which I belong, has constantly sold itself short. Perhaps this is a reaction to the overambitious baby boomers who raised us and whose rules we still have to live by, as well as those who came after us. Damn them!

It's an excellent and challenging song with a relatable and rebellious message. Right up my alley!

Belt bearing
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