The British indie rock band Everything Everything stands out with their unique sound and deep lyrics. Their song “It Was A Monstering” from RE-ANIMATOR, their fifth album, shows just how rich and complex their music can be. It talks about looking back, feeling anxious, and thinking deeply about life, drawing on personal feelings and what they see in the world. This music interpretation will dive into the deep meanings and strong emotions in the song.
When they started working on RE-ANIMATOR, “It Was A Monstering” was one of the first songs they made. It stands out in the album. The song’s words touch on big ideas everyone can relate to, staying away from politics. This talk will explore how the song’s message is both deep and wide-reaching. It will look at how the band came up with the song and its words.
Key Takeaways
- Everything Everything lyrics often avoid political issues to talk about universal themes.
- “It Was A Monstering” was one of the first songs written for RE-ANIMATOR.
- The song looks at nostalgia and worry, using personal and public experiences.
- John Congleton, who has worked with St. Vincent, produced the album.
- Rich lyrics and deep feelings make the song stand out, adding to its effect.
Everything Everything: Band Background
Everything Everything has made a big splash in British indie rock. They started in Manchester in 2007 and are known for smart, haunting songs. Their story shows hard work, creativity, and new ideas.
The band started by experimenting and working together. Their big moment came with their third album, “Get To Heaven,” in 2015. Hits like “Distant Past” and “Regret” made them popular and loved by critics.
2020 brought many challenges for Everything Everything. They dealt with fires, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The guitarist, Alex Robertshaw, got stuck in Shrewsbury because of floods. Still, they didn’t give up.
A fire destroyed their rehearsal space in north Manchester, along with all their instruments. They stopped touring for a year to write their new album, “RE-ANIMATOR.” This time let them grow and explore new themes, inspired by the book “The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind.”
Their music talks about social and political issues. “A Fever Dream” in 2017 was about Brexit and Trump and had a dark vibe. “RE-ANIMATOR,” their fifth album, is easier to relate to and shows they’ve grown. Songs like “In Birdsong” and “Violent Sun” mix deep lyrics with great tunes.
They’ve also worked with big-time producers like John Congleton, making their music even better. Their story is a mix of facing tough times and always trying new things in British indie rock.
Album Context: RE-ANIMATOR
The 2020 release of Everything Everything’s fifth studio album, RE-ANIMATOR, was a big step for the band. They made it at RAK Studios in London in just two weeks in December 2019. It was supposed to come out on August 21, 2020, but got pushed back three weeks because of COVID-19. Still, it got great reviews, with a Metacritic score of 84 from 10 reviews.
For their 2020 album, Everything Everything mixed many styles, from R&B and electronica to noisy guitar rock. A key inspiration was the “Bicameral Mind,” showing the mix of science and spirit. This theme is clear in songs like “It Was A Monstering,” which talk about evolution, human pride, and nature versus human action.
Before RE-ANIMATOR came out, singles like “In Birdsong,” “Arch Enemy,” “Planets,” and “Violent Sun” built excitement. These songs mixed deep lyrics with great music. The Independent gave it top marks, and Pitchfork liked its straightforward lyrics.
The album shows a lot of musical styles, with songs both slow and fast. The song “It Was a Monstering” even reminds some of Radiohead’s Hail to the Thief. It uses echoing sounds and guitars for an intense feel.
| Track | Influences | Notable Elements |
|---|---|---|
| In Birdsong | Electronica, R&B | Complex lyrics, glitchy dissonance |
| It Was A Monstering | Radiohead, TV on the Radio | Distorted echo, chiming guitar |
| Planets | R&B, noisy guitar rock | Rapid-fire lyric delivery |
| Violent Sun | Indie rock | Cathartic vocal style, electronic beats |
RE-ANIMATOR is known for its deep themes, like evolution and human nature’s complex sides. The band’s virtual reality concert for the album was very creative. Overall, this album shows that Everything Everything likes to explore new ideas in music while thinking deeply.
It Was A Monstering by Everything Everything: Initial Creation
When Everything Everything worked on “It Was A Monstering,” things changed. They wanted something new, different from before. Their songwriting evolved.
Early Development
“It Was A Monstering” began with Jonathan Higgs and Alex Robertshaw at the helm. Their teamwork sparked the emotional core of the song. The track went through many changes, especially its middle part, which the band was very proud of.
Musical Structure
This song showcases Everything Everything’s love for unique sounds. They used cool bass rhythms and Euclidean patterns. This approach made their song stand out yet remain catchy.
Lyrical Inspiration
The lyrics of “It Was A Monstering” are deep and personal. Jonathan Higgs wrote about his fears, including feeling nostalgic and societal demands. The song mixes larger-than-life symbols with real-life stories. This makes its message powerful and relatable on many levels.
| Track | Theme | Inspiration |
|---|---|---|
| Big Climb | Climate Change | Nihilism and generational issues |
| It Was a Monstering | Personal Reflection | Nostalgia and societal pressure |
| Arch Enemy | Societal Greed | Fatbergs as metaphor |
| Lord of the Trapdoor | Chaos and Noise | Jazz influence |
| Black Hyena | Environmental Issues | Dangers of tampering with nature |
| In Birdsong | Self-Reflection | Transformation through modular synth |
| Violent Sun | Resilience | Reality of lockdown |
The Lyrical Themes
“In It Was A Monstering,” Everything Everything brings their unique indie rock lyrics to life. They talk about the challenges of being human and the stories we share. Their songs cover everything from daily struggles to fears shared by society. The Everything Everything songwriting.
The song cleverly uses many references, making listeners think deeply. It talks about old myths and modern psychology ideas, like the bicameral mind theory. The team looks into today’s issues, too, like how we handle internet trolls and what drives us.
The lyrics also shine a light on important issues like climate change. They touch on deep topics like the lack of meaning in life and the hope for something better. All these ideas come together, creating a story that’s both thought-provoking and deeply moving.
With their indie rock lyrics, Everything Everything goes beyond music. They offer us a journey through our thoughts and feelings.
Musical Influences and Style
Everything Everything is often seen as similar to Radiohead. They’re known for trying new things in music. Their album “RE-ANIMATOR” is popular for these reasons. The way they mix traditional tunes with electronic bits makes their music special. It reminds people of Radiohead but in a new way.
Radiohead Comparisons
The song “It Was A Monstering” shows what Everything Everything is about. It blends art-rock with electronic pop. People say Jonathan Higgs sings a bit like Thom Yorke from Radiohead. But Everything Everything is not just copying. With albums like “RE-ANIMATOR,” they have made their own mark. Even though opinions vary, the band’s fresh approach is widely acknowledged.
Instrumentation and Arrangement
“It Was A Monstering” is praised for its original sound. The band uses unusual instruments like the fretless guitar and the LinnStrument. This shows their creative spirit in indie music. Songs like “Moonlight” and “Violent Sun” from “RE-ANIMATOR” prove they like to experiment.
Their work on “It Was A Monstering” shows how they’ve influenced music. Their willingness to try new things has led to their success.
| Album | Known for |
|---|---|
| Get to Heaven | Colorful & Expansive Pop |
| A Fever Dream | Thoughtful & Mature Sound |
| RE-ANIMATOR | Introspective & Glossy Songwriting |
Reception and Impact
The release of “It Was A Monstering” from Everything Everything’s “RE-ANIMATOR” album got varied reactions. Critics praised the band for their bold style and detailed soundscapes. They’ve secured their place in indie rock. The lyrics and mix of music influences have highlighted their role, especially in a year full of changes. The reception balanced art growth praise with critiques on their theme boldness.
RE-ANIMATOR is special in the band’s work for its new sound and bold topics. It blends deep lyrics with new pop sounds, earning both praise and critique. Fans like the band’s push beyond usual stories with catchy tunes. Yet, some critics point out the album’s production sometimes beats its unity. But, the reception shows the band’s strong place and changing role in music.
Everything Everything’s work does more than hit charts. They handle big topics with easy-to-listen music, sparking important talks. They reflect on society’s fears, like monsters do in studies and culture, shown in this research. This shows the band’s role in pushing for thought and reflection. As both fans and new listeners explore “It Was A Monstering” and RE-ANIMATOR, the band’s influence in indie rock stays, always pushing and inspiring.
FAQ
What is the meaning behind the song “It Was A Monstering” by Everything Everything?
“It Was A Monstering” is about nostalgia and anxiety. These feelings are drawn from personal and societal experiences. This gives depth to the song’s message.
Can you provide some background on the band Everything Everything?
Everything Everything is a band from Manchester. They make intelligent alt-pop music. Members Jonathan Higgs, Alex Robertshaw, Jeremy Pritchard, and Michael Spearman blend commentary and tunes beautifully.
What is the album “RE-ANIMATOR” about?
“RE-ANIMATOR” is the band’s fifth album, out in 2020. It looks at the Bicameral Mind and mixes science with spirituality. The album shows the band’s creative side and explores new sounds.
How was “It Was A Monstering” initially created?
The making of “It Was A Monstering” started with basic ideas. Jonathan Higgs and Alex Robertshaw then added melodies and chords. These steps shaped its emotional appeal.
What are the key structural techniques used in “It Was A Monstering”?
The song uses unique techniques, like rhythmic bass and Euclidean rhythms. These features make the song engaging.
What inspired the lyrics of “It Was A Monstering”?
Personal worries about nostalgia and society inspired the lyrics. Jonathan Higgs adds stories that connect with listeners. This mixes mythology with personal stories.
What are the central lyrical themes in “It Was A Monstering”?
Main themes include urban myths and seeking understanding in chaos. The band is good at blending complex themes into their music.
How does Everything Everything’s music compare to Radiohead?
Everything Everything often gets compared to Radiohead. But they have their own sound, mixing melodies with electronic parts. This uniqueness distinguishes them from others.
What instrumentation and arrangements are used in “It Was A Monstering”?
The song has a mix of sounds, like the fretless guitar and digital textures. Instruments and tech choices make the song’s unique atmosphere.
How was “It Was A Monstering” received by critics and fans?
Critics and fans had mixed views on “It Was A Monstering.” But it helped make the album “RE-ANIMATOR” a success. It stands out in Everything Everything’s work and the 2020 music scene, impacting indie and experimental pop.
