We were busy writing about The Hogstad Brothers less than a month ago, celebrating ‘Worth It’ as “some of the most peculiar music we have heard recently”. We stand by our words: the Californian duo is certainly unique and quirky in their overarching artistry, holding a cathartic take on electronica and experimental elements. Eventually, they simply end up pushing the boundaries of what’s considered acceptable for a relatively pop-oriented record.
Okay, ‘Creatures in the Dirt’ is not a pop album. Yet, its sound design choices are familiar and relatable, just assembled in a very personal manner. That’s where The Hogstad Brothers’ main strength lies: they are reinventing popular culture. Featuring nine eclectic tracks, ‘Creatures in the Dirt’ is rather eclectic in its sonic influences, with a particular love for funk, soul motifs and catchy melodies. Overall, there’s a heightened sense of playfulness and whimsy in it all, a quality that you could say is almost… psychedelic.
From a lyrical standpoint, ‘Creatures in the Dirt’ maintains an introspective and personal approach, showcasing The Hogstad Brothers’ songwriting flair. As they explain: “A lot of struggles were happening in our lives when we wrote this album. Our exploration of these struggles happened alongside and through the sonic and lyrical explorations found in these songs. ‘Creatures in the Dirt’ is ultimately about a tumultuous journey towards compassion for ourselves and one another.”
Recommended! Discover ‘Creatures in the Dirt’ on Spotify:
