Animalweapon overcomes his ‘Set of Constraints’ on new album

Recommended Tracks: “After All”, “August”, “Summer’s Over”
Artists You May Like: William Ryan Key, Sufjan Stevens, Manatee Commune

Instead of making “tracks,” indie electronica artist Animalweapon is all about making “songs.” The difference is hard to describe, as Animalweapon so mentioned in our interview with him earlier this year, which is why it is best to just listen to his ambient-sounding music. He knows how to tap into a feeling and expand the sensation, as he has successfully done on his previous album, Tyrannosaurus, and recent string of singles. Together, they explored some of the more serious and thought-provoking aspects of the times we are living through, most notably the impact these years have had on mental health. On his latest effort, Set of Constraints, Animalweapon follows up these ideas, using ambient synth, dreamy pop, and skittering hip-hop beats to best address the ways he has been coping.

There are moments on the album when Animalweapon discreetly tackles mental health and anxiety by incorporating various thoughts and observations into his songs. On the opening track, “Check Engine Light,” Animalweapon creates a hazy, unsettling environment with ominous synth and fleeting dance beats, giving us this feeling that something is not right. We also get various lyrics, such as “This car is breaking down” and “I don’t feel anything at all,” better representing the instability he is trying to get across. Animalweapon also packages his feelings on the vivid “Deserve,” which touches on the ways that doubt and anxiety can tear someone apart. Over layers of synth, he asks, “Why do I do it to myself?” and “How much is enough?” never feeling satisfied by his actions. By loosely giving us these lyrics and eclectic sounds, Animalweapon is showing us that anxiety and depression are not absolute.

Additionally, Animalweapon dives into other complex emotions, from regret to concern to hope. On “After All,” we hear Animalweapon’s attempts at finding closure. Wistfully, he sings, “I wish that I could let go of everything I carry” and “I wish that I could keep you for just a little longer,” as if giving us words that were left unsaid. There is also one of his more popular singles, “Summer’s Over,” which depicts a lonely summer night. Over the sound of crickets, cicadas, and bleak piano, Animalweapon speaks to the feeling of uncertainty that arose during 2020, singing, “A lot of things went wrong at the same time / And no one could’ve known / How much time did we lose? / Is everyone here?” Yet, the title track presents us with hope that things will be alright, its lyrics instilling this “who knows what tomorrow will bring?” mentality.

Rounding out the album are the instrumental tracks, “DST (Wreath) and “August,” which are a couple of highlights. The former, “DST (Wreath),” consists of twinkling riffs, a shuffling beat, and a cosmic production, putting us in a relaxed state. On the latter, “August,” Animalweapon sets the mood for a night out, complete with shakers, tambourines, and layers of rhythm. Both songs are different from one another, but are the same in that they entertain from beginning to end.

When discussing the album, Animalweapon shared that the project was only supposed to be an EP, but blossomed into Set of Constraints. The fun that he had when making the album definitely comes through, as the songs contain a free-flowing vibe. We can also detect a maturity from Animalweapon, as the album is more focused and direct than his previous projects. In regards to what Animalweapon tries to achieve with his music, however, nothing has changed. He shared that he tries to have the listeners make their own conclusions about these songs, which makes them everlasting. Overall, Set of Constraints is anything but constraining, and after all of these years making songs, Animalweapon is still able to amaze.