Released in 2016, Animal is the fourth studio album from Big Scary; a musically dynamic Australian duo that offers a mesmerizing exploration of human emotions and experiences, delivered via a unique blend of indie rock, electronica, and heartfelt lyrics. Each song from Animal contributes to the album’s cohesive narrative, one that asks us to transcend our animal instincts and rise above the animal within, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking an immersive musical experience.

Of course, before one can get to the music, the album artwork will draw you in as it’s simply stunning; in a non-traditional manner, that is! It’s eye-catching and stays with you while connecting with your soul on a level that only the visual senses can fully comprehend. If nothing else, it is the perfect visual accompaniment for the music that you’re about to experience. 

While such a visual element would be perfectly suited to the larger vinyl canvas, I’ve yet to pick up a copy on that format. A shame, yes, but with limited funds, my wish list is considerably lengthy as it is. Nevertheless, it gives me something to look forward to and until then I can say with certainty that the lossless Apple Music stream is sonically exquisite. 

If you are interested in seeking the album out on vinyl, you’ll notice an immediate difference to the streaming counterpart as the album is separated into Hunting, Lurking, Resting, and Walking themes; each presented on its own side of the double LP. The CD offers a similar breakdown, but due to the continuous nature of the format, it isn’t quite as unique as that of the vinyl release. For example, if you want to listen to just one aspect of the album, you can listen to that single side. This acts in much the same way as Sigur Rós’ () as it presents the album in a randomised, listener-determined, structure. Whether or not you find this aspect fascinating, it’s wonderful to see independent artists experimenting with their craft. 

While part of the artistic intent of Animal was to allow the listener to play the album in a non-linear manner, this review will focus on the sequencing released via Apple Music as that retains the core artistic intent.

Oxygen is a hauntingly beautiful track that sets the tone for the entire record. With its raw drum beat that harks to the core animal status within us all, to the sonically dry electronic rhythm, you’ll be captivated from the very first note.

Organism is diverse and layered, resulting in a song that is larger than the sum of its parts. Every aspect of Organism is perfect and it amazes me that music this good was made by an independent artist. I say that because Organism, and the entire album, sounds better than most big label/artist releases. 

Double Darkness is a little more subdued and introspective with a vocal tracking that is simply sublime. There’s much to love when Double Darkness comes on, and it’s one of the best songs on the album, but I find it’s the correlations I hear to Paul McCartney’s recordings that are the most interesting aspect here.  

Savior Add Vice transitions seamlessly from Double Darkness and while it has a greater rock vibe than the previous track, the distorted guitars and tempo quickly shift the atmosphere to one that is controlled by a sense of urgency. Additionally, I feel the vocal presentation is flawed on this particular song as it tends to get lost in the mix. While I acknowledge that that approach was likely intended, it results in a somewhat lacklustre performance. 

Lone Bird is a killer song with a perfect rhythm and composition. Incredible!

The Endless Story is thoroughly enjoyable. Not only are the musical elements compelling, but the vocal delivery is equally exceptional.

Flutism suits the album but isn't a track that connects with my soul. It isn't inherently bad, but it’s a little over-produced.

Up And Up And Up is incredibly addictive. I dare you to sit still while listening to this track; I can’t do it. 

Breathe Underwater reduces the tempo considerably and it may result in a shock to the senses; if you’re streaming that is. Breathe Underwater is the first song of the Resting element of the album and if you’ve picked up the vinyl release, the time delay, due to flipping sides, will be enough that you wouldn’t notice the shift as much as those of us who are streaming the album do. Nevertheless, Breathe Underwater is a lovely mellow song.

The Opposite Of Us is a beautiful tune that is not only an ideal fit for the album but flows perfectly through the Resting phase of the record. 

Heaven On Earth is atmospherically stunning. I can only imagine how exceptional it would sound on vinyl, for the Apple Music stream is already breathtaking.

Over Matter has a little too much volume and channel variation that I find to be rather distracting. Yes, it’s a technique but even if I could compartmentalise that aspect, the vocal pacing isn’t in harmony with the other songs from the album. The result is that Over Matter can sound like a garbled mess. Ultimately, however, that doesn’t deter me from the album experience but it is a low point in an otherwise exceptional release. 

Lamina has moody tones that are reminiscent of the opening tracks thereby making it an ideal bookend that compels me to listen to Animal again and delve deeper into Big Scary’s growing catalogue of music. 

From start to finish, Animal is a masterful album that showcases the Australian duo's incredible talent for crafting deeply emotional and sonically rich music that is immersive. Animal really is nothing short of a modern indie rock gem and is one of the best albums released in 2016.