Diversifying their sound while still clinging to nostalgia
The American alternative rock band Social Animals released their self-titled, full-length project Social Animals on June 24, 2022. After signing with Rise Records in 2019, the Minnesota band finally released their debut LP. The Spotify bio of the band reads “uncomfortably personal lyrics,” and that is more than evident through the lyrics of the song on this debut album. Through each of the songs, the band diversifies their sound while, concurrently, a running theme of nostalgia for the past, in one way or another, carries through each of the tracks.
The first song, “Best Years” has a very melodic sweet sound. However, at the same time, the lyrics describe an agony about whether or not one is wasting the best years of their life by partying and not taking care of oneself, by being always drunk or not sleeping enough. The song talks about not being present, and missing someone from the past.
“Adults” has a more aggressive rock sound. The song initially talks about not wanting to grow up or take responsibility for actions: having to take care of yourself being part of growing up. A theme of nostalgia for the past runs through it, with the song ending by admitting a need to grow up.
The lyrics of “Love Language” talk about a relationship involving being so close with someone you have your own set of behaviors, signals, and gestures that only mean something to the two of you. In contrast, “Get Over It,” has a very melancholy sound. The main sound is more upbeat, but there is a sad guitar strum running parallel to convey this juxtaposed emotion. In tangent with the title, it is a song about trying to move on.
“Something to keep me awake” is a song about trying to find a reason, or a substance, to keep one going, to keep one awake, in a difficult world. This ‘something’ could be found in the track “Together,” which gushes about someone who can see the best of you, someone who holds you together and helps you through difficult times. It’s someone who sees your flaws yet also is there for you through all of it.
Throughout the album, each song sounds starkly different from one another, creating a sonically diversified project. At the same time, the themes remain consistent, as a combination of longing for the past while also being grateful for who and what is in the present, as well as escapism from reality.
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