Alex G – God Save the Animals

Review Score:

A-

The Unprecedented Times –

May 22 / 2023

Alex G sounds more confident than ever on God Save the Animals, an album that delivers in spades on his trademark weirdness. And yet, Alex G’s ninth studio album is his most straightforward and radio friendly in recent memory. 

In a blurry, vague way, the album is about animals and people. Nothing is ever so clearly stated as to give you an idea about a song’s true meaning. You’re likely to believe a song is detailing the singer’s relationship to a person in their life, only to have the rug pulled out from under you when lines like “I did good, I stayed out of the kitchen”, or “they hit you with a rolled up magazine” glide by. 

“Runner” just may be one of those rare, perfect songs. No notes. Beautifully constructed, confidently performed. It’s sweet, organic instrumentation is played straight and narrow. But Alex G’s vocals and lyrics give the subtle impression that something is just slightly off. It’s a killer song. It was my most played track of 2022. I almost showed my dad.

“Miracles” wasn’t far behind on that most-played list. It’s another pure acoustic thing of beauty. Alex G’s vocals are raw, his lyrics honest. A well placed violin elevates this track to S-Tier status.

Songs like “S.D.O.S” are hypnotic. I am consistently fascinated by the choices Alex G makes in terms of instrumentation. This one in particular makes use of a wooden percussion instrument that produces sound when the user scrapes a wooden stick across the ribbed surface. I can’t confirm it, but in my head, it looks like this frog. Which seems appropriate, given the animal theming of the album.

“Cross the Sea” is one song in which Alex G dips into his lower vocal register. It creates a dark tone, despite an uplifting message. This is true of many songs here, like the subsequent “Blessing”, which is heavy and loud. The repeated refrain “everyday is a blessing, as I walk through the mud”, which speaks to shades of religious messaging here. The song’s narrator remains steadfast in his faith, despite wading through the “mud” of daily life.

“Forgive” makes for an excellent conclusion. The vocals are especially expressive here. Again, a slight hint of a religious theme shines through:

“Forgive yesterday, I choose today”

Is it ironic? Is it tongue in cheek? Or maybe genuine? That mystery is a key element to Alex G’s allure. The song fades in as if it was always playing, and out like it always will be. The album is never predictable. The songs fit together but each one is so distinct from the next that you would never confuse one for another. You’re left wanting to hear more, to know more. Alex G paints a compelling, cryptic canvas for the listener. 

Review Score:

A-