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Reviewed by Jean Bell

Superorganism: Self-titled

Reviewed by Jean Bell

Superorganism: Self-titled

Superorganism are best described as a menagerie of musicians. Eight members of ages ranging from 17 to early 30s, hailing from a range of countries including South Korea, Australia, UK, Japan and NZ.

The group coalesced after Kiwi band The Eversons were spotted on the net by lead singer Orono Noguchi. When Noguchi subsequently saw the band perform in Japan their friendship solidified, the group bonding over a shared love for internet memes.

On first listen their self-titled debut album feels a bit overdone, like a salad with too many kooky ingredients.

Sound effects like a cash register, camera snaps and explosions lead to an over-stimulating listening experience – at least at first. After repeat listens, however, ‘Superorganism’ proves itself to be imaginative and a great example of how more is merrier.

The abundance of sound effects and instruments gives it a joyous playfulness that isn’t done much in music unless it’s ironic. 17-year old Noguchi sounds and looks babyfaced. She sings with a pleasantly deadpan tone that would be referenced in an Urban Dictionary definition of ‘sulky teenager’.

At times it does feel like a teenage angst album, but don’t let that discourage you.

Closer inspection of Noguchi’s lyrics reveal a pessimistically intelligent mind behind them.

Everyone Wants To Be Famous calls out a culture obsessed with fame, Nobody Cares tells its listeners they’ll find “sweet relief when you grow up and see for yourself/Nobody cares.” Stand-out Reflections On The Screen features a gorgeously atmospheric electronic guitar with whimsical lyrics about internet romance. The Prawn Song is the funky means through which Noguchi shows her desire for life to be simple, telling people, “You do you, I’ll do me… I’m happy just being a prawn,” on top of a groovy synth.

The album is Superorganism’s first release and it’ll be interesting to see their future development. The album triggers the mind’s childlike imagination.

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