Sounds like what new color would look like
At first glance, Psymon Spine may seem like the average electronic-bedroom-pop band, but their newest album Charismatic Megafauna has proven that they are anything but ordinary. Noah Prebish, Peter Spears, Brother Michael Rudinski and Sabine Holler embrace experimenting when it comes to their craft—seamlessly incorporating elements of psychedelic rock, indie pop and EDM into a single record. Though there is certainly a heavy reliance on synths and keys, each instrumental arrangement varies starkly from track to track, keeping the record fresh and exciting.
Some songs on Charismatic Megafauna are certainly milder than others, but each and every one has a significant level of danceability. The club-like beats in “Solution” and the abstract-disco of “Jacket” are enough to raise anyone to their feet, but even ethereal songs like “Milk” force at least a toe tap from the listener. Not only does this showcase an incredible technical mastery on the part of Psymon Spine, but their ability to easily energize listeners demonstrate their authentic connection to the human spirit. This would make sense, as it’s evident the band shies away from the procedural route; at times it feels as though certain melodies wrote themselves based on how naturally they flow. For instance, in “Confusion,” Holler delicately echoes Prebish’s richer vocals as he sings, “you didn’t once/ but trust me now/ the psychic ring/ your ears must have been,” creating a beautiful contrast between the dreamy and the enigmatic. The best word to describe the album would likely be ‘enthralling,’ as the thematic employment of tension and contrast throughout the record only adds to the addicting twists and turns it takes.
Though Psymon Spine is heavy-handed when it comes to instrumental craftsmanship, their lyrical craft ranges from basic to sublime. In certain songs like “Jumprope,” bizarre soundbites, electric guitar and a tight baseline dominate over Holler repeatedly stating “Jumprope” in spoken word format. Though it’s still a great song, lyrically it doesn’t hold a candle to some of their better tracks like “Channels.” The lyrics are delivered with electric enthusiasm, with Prebish shouting “channels/ connecting every part of you/ digging streams to carry water/ to get it where it needs to go,” continuing, “create an irrigation system/ so water doesn’t overflow/ to get it where it needs to go.” The delivery is so spirited one may miss how curious the lyrics truly are, as the song essentially calls life “a game of channels.” The lyrical composition of “Channels” made it one of the best on the album, demonstrating Psymon Spine has more gifts to hone in on in future releases.
Psymon Spine is so compelling due to the creative and experimental liberties they allow themselves when working. They truly have a distinct sound of their own, so long as you don’t count Barrie, a fellow Brooklyn-based band where a few members of Psymon Spine got their start. Overall, Psymon Spine is giving the people what they need in Charismatic Megafauna, which is a new sound. By blending classic styles of beloved genres, Psymon Spine made new colors with Charismatic Megafauna.
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