Album Review: Everything Everything - Re-Animator

Some say third time is the charm but in the case of Everything Everything, it’s the fifth - or perhaps just every time. Their new album Re-Animator is simply stunning. It is perhaps there most cohesive and confident release, with each track introducing a new dimension that perhaps even cult fans were not expecting. 

‘Lost Powers’ nicely opens the album with a relaxed beat and thoughtful lyrics that repeat the phase ‘come on you only lost your mind’. Lead singer Jonathan Higgs uses this track to slowly introduce his listeners to the conceptual depth and breadth of his lyrics. A uniquely unorthodox lyricist, Higgs never wastes a word or misses the opportunity for some truly surreal imagery. Re-Animator sees the songwriter really hone his craft, delivering truly captivating concepts and memorable one-liners.

The album has a number of different sonic influences, including some techno on tracks like ‘Big Climb’ and ‘Planets’. Both tracks create an almost science fictional atmosphere, brimming with other-worldly energy. ‘The Actor’ is another stand out track with a blend of Higgs’ characteristic vitality and just a little something more. The distinctive fragments of the song that are perfectly blended together to make it a very exciting track.

It would be wrong not to briefly mention the final track ‘Violent Sun’, a personal favourite and a perfect end to the album. The careering instrumentals neatly round the album off, maintaining the energy but signifying an end with the lyrics ‘and you know this will be gone in the morning’. 

An exceptional album from one of the truly visionary bands in UK music, as the Manchester outfit continue to age like fine wine with Re-Animator.

Words: Amelia Dinsdale