Cheers LL - here's my OG write up, saved from drafts. Not that anyone appears to be interested in anyway! 🤣

I've held off on on Squid but decided this week it is time. It is the Wednesday pick so something a bit more upbeat to get through hump day.

I love Squid - there, I've said it. I know this will be a divisive pick as I know there are some people on here who absolutely hate Squid. Although I know there are some fans. Anyway.

Going on from the not engaging with albums and music because of Spotify I thought about this and realised there are a few bands I've stuck with in the modern era of music so to speak - bought all their albums and been to see them on most tours. Squid obviously being one of them.

This is off the debut - Bright Green Field - and i think marks an epoch in the evolution of the sound. It marked the move away from the drone sound from the very first few EP's, then the dual vocals of the EPs after (which was a shame really) and cemented the krauty elements of their sound alongside the funky stuff. I believe they are a very funky band and very danceable. The repetition of sound, quirky trumpet, Ollie's (singing drummer) multi faceted vocal style, percussion and all underpinned by that driving bass. It builds, drops, builds and ends then hits you in the face for another bit a the end. Marvelous.

When I first heard Squid I was not immediately sold - the vocal ticks can be a bit odd but I stayed with it and I am glad I did. I love all three albums in varying degrees and have dug into the back catalogue and searched out the obscure stuff - there is not much they have recorded I dont like.

This track is over 8 minutes, so stick with it - headphones on, very loud and allow the music to take you as that what Squid are - they are first and foremost about music - don't expect deep and meaningful lyrical content. this is about soundscapes from all elements of the musicianship. And they are all very talented musicians.

Live version from The trades club from 6 years ago.

The lives shows are pretty special. They work out all these segues between tracks - craft each set with all these mad junctions of music.

If you like it i'd recommend going back to the town centre EP (rodeo is a remarkable track) then Houseplants then the albums in order as they evolve. They have moved away from the krauty sound and got more experimental as they have progressed with O' Monolith and Cowards. Bright Green Field is head and shoulders their best work though.

Also they have a radio show on Noods that is ace. They play lots of weirdness once a month.

You can listen again here: [https://noodsradio.com/residents/squid](https://) Lots of old shows to wade through.