New Zealand has been producing some fine rock music lately, and the guys from I Am Giant, now London-based, are only adding to that vibe.Science & Survivalis true ‘alternative’ rock – it is dark, heavy (for rock) and creates a pretty spine-tingling atmosphere.
At the same time, the songs are very strong and catchy, with excellent vocals and massive, fat grooves. It has big crossover appeal as well – fans of Foo Fighters, Incubus and the like will find something to enjoy here (especially in a track like the superb ‘Transmission’), as will listeners who like The Butterfly Effect and Dead Letter Circus. For the latter, check out the epic 12-and-a-half minute closer ‘Bought With Ignorance, Sold With Arrogance’. It’s immense.
The sound, courtesy of Australian production genius Forrester Savell, is lush, squeaky clean and extremely powerful – exactly what an album such as this needs – and the musicianship, while quite basic in the greater scheme of things, serves the song to perfection.
There’s nothing superfluous, nothing overwrought, just streamlined and right on the money, allowing the songs to breathe. Science & Survival is a clear winner.
4/5.
Science & Survivalis out now through Sony.
