The Sound of Animals Fighting Delivers Existential Ponderings with New Album, The Maiden
The Sound of Animals Fighting’s latest release, The Maiden, is a complex and thought-provoking journey through themes of morality, destiny, and the afterlife, solidifying the band’s reputation for aspiring and emotionally resonant work. Released following a 19-year hiatus,the album showcases the enduring vocal chemistry of Rich Balling and Anthony Green,alongside the band’s signature instrumental prowess.
The album’s dynamic vocal interplay is instantly apparent, with Balling and Green reversing roles from previous work-Balling taking the high notes and Green the low-demonstrating the breadth of their skills. Kanda notes the pair “slot together like puzzle pieces,” a testament to their long-standing collaboration dating back to their debut album, Tiger and The Duke in 2005. This seamless blend is a hallmark of The Sound of Animals Fighting’s sound.
True to form, The Maiden culminates in the expansive track “The Fall of Western Civilization,” exceeding six minutes in length.The song prioritizes instrumental performance for its first 45 seconds, featuring “steady drum beats and shimmering riffs” before seamlessly integrating vocals. balling’s lyrical style continues to deliver “strong metaphors” and immersive storytelling,drawing listeners into the world of The Maiden.
Ultimately, The Maiden prompts listeners to contemplate their own lives and destinies.The album leaves audiences questioning whether their paths are predetermined, asking, “do we truly have the power to shape our own future?” and suggesting that, irrespective, the best course is to “continue living our lives and making the most of the time we have here…just like The Maiden.”
The Maiden is available for purchase at https://bornlosersrecords.com/collections/the-sound-of-animals-fighting?srsltid=AfmBOopyE1Z7DsAHNHTR1d570UFFVnmuFvJfvE2xxS8rw_QApxIWkz6_.
