After riding an enviable crest of internet buzz following their early singles, eight-member, international London-based group Superorganism have released their self-titled debut. And what a debut it is! Grabbing you first with its hooks, but keeping you around with its hilariously bizarre and wooly production style, this album will likely land on more than a few year-end lists.
Superorganism essentially operates on two levels: it's an excellent pop album, full of memorable hooks and a great vocal turn from Orono, whose laidback, smoky delivery exudes cool-girl, brat-pop chic with just a hint of the upbeat playfulness of fellow London-ites Kero Kero Bonito; on the other hand, it's an absolute tour-de-force of eclectic, collagist production technique, saturated with samples and assorted strangeness. There's a penchant for Hawaiian guitar licks every now and then, but also car horns, drinks pouring, explosions, cartoon munching sounds, and Anthony Robbins. Although a little disorienting at first, it's all expertly held together — like their name suggests, the group seems able to absorb pretty much anything into their aesthetic without it sounding out of place.
Lead single "Something For Your M.I.N.D." is still the most striking track here, its unexpected hook almost rewriting the rules of catchiness, but everything on this debut is great, with pleasant surprises lined up single file. Comparisons could be made to similarly sprawling super-groups like the Go! Team — or the aforementioned KKB — but Superorganism are infinitely more giddy and unhinged, offering up one of the most thoroughly exciting takes on pop music so far this year. Superorganism easily meets and exceeds the hype surrounding this talented group.
