The band Just Arrogant Animals, hailing from Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, Canada, has released their new album titled "Liars For Hire Episode I." This powerful quartet offers an exciting fusion of powerful and electrifying riffs, catchy hooks, and a touch of bluesy essence in their music taking listeners on a profound voyage through the depths of human emotions.
"Liars For Hire Episode I" is the new musical work by the band Just Arrogant Animals. Through their lyrics, they explore themes of social unrest, personal struggles, and the eternal quest for individuality in a world that often demands conformity. The band presents an incredible blend of introspective lyrical composition and instrumental prowess, defining their music as "unfiltered" and resonating with the indomitable spirit of their audience.
Join us in this article for a detailed track-by-track review of this incredible release that the band "Just Arrogant Animals" has brought to us for our auditory delight.
Track-by-track Review
Track 1: “Home”
"Home" opens the album with a profound introspection into the journey of self-discovery. The song starts with the harmonious presence of drums, guitars, and bass in unison, but far from being an explosive beginning, it immediately creates a relaxed aura that inspires an instant feeling of space for personal reflection in the listener.
The powerful voice of Kyle Knowles joins in to take the center stage, weaving a compelling narrative through the opening verses. Through the lyrics, we encounter a protagonist who feels lost but also determined to rediscover himself.
This self-determination is evident from the beginning, in phrases like "Just need to find myself again," and "Just need to give myself a chance, To get from under the weight of circumstance," expressing a constant need to find strength within himself to overcome the obstacles that come his way.
The impressive musical structure that accompanies this story allows each instrument to be clearly distinguished in the stereo channel, giving each sound its space to shine. The song unfolds at a deliberate pace, with carefully crafted instrumental sections between verses that create a sense of spaciousness, perfectly aligning with the introspective nature of the narrator's reflections and effectively conveying it to the listener.
"Home" stands out not only for its intense theme and incredible sound quality but also for its masterfully structured guitar solo, acting as a climax for the listener, evoking a sense of self-determination in the face of adversity and even making the process of self-discovery truly exciting.
It is noteworthy to analyze that the narrator mentions numerous times that even though he is lost, he mentions he is "Coming back Home," which explains why they are so determined to continue. This idea leads to an interesting and intriguing question: Do we really know the way back to our safe and belonging place?
Many times, when we feel trapped or when we have left our essence behind in a desperate attempt to escape from certain mental states, we make hasty decisions, leading us to make mistakes. But it's of no use even trying to escape if we don't know where we're going. That's why this song, through its solid musical structure and convincing vocal performance, emphasizes the importance of giving ourselves the space to reflect on this question. Before we take the first step towards ruin, we should look back on the path we have taken and retrace our steps to finally return to where we belong.
Track 2: “Rattle in My Bones”
"Rattle in my Bones" is the Second Track of this incredible release. The lyrics of the song describe a feeling of change in the singer's life. Everything seems different and unfamiliar, as if he were a stranger walking within his own skin. This sensation indicates that he is ready to start something new.
It is interesting to analyze this song in conjunction with "Home" because the feeling of strangeness that the narrator talks about may have a direct connection with what led him to get lost. If we keep listening more details are given to us in the second verse.
As the song progresses, it speaks of a romantic breakup or separation, but despite that, the protagonist seems to feel a certain attraction and nostalgia towards the person they parted ways with. The phrase "You put the rattle in my bones," repeated throughout the song, could be interpreted as a reference to the fact that the person he separated from awakened something vital and exciting in the singer's life, which gives him the internal strength mentioned in "Home."
Musically, "Rattle in my Bones" also stands out immediately for presenting a different musical composition. The incredible presence of the bass, played by Bri Maharaj, who displays remarkable precision in providing the song's foundational structure from the beginning, along with percussion replacing the snare sound with a clap, creates a masterful interplay that makes this song rhythmically very catchy.
Another interesting musical device is used, as when the song reaches the chorus, the guitars join the bass line, replicating the vocal melodic structure. The combination of these elements undoubtedly places us in the presence of one of the band's best songs, which is more than just a simple track, but a true anthem.
Track 3: “Black Widow”
This song stands out immediately for being much heavier and powerful, as it has a sound more oriented towards a Hard Rock essence, even incorporating some elements of Metal.
"Black Widow" revolves around themes of betrayal, revenge, and deception in a romantic relationship. The lyrics depict a narrator who has been betrayed by his partner, referred to as "Black Widow." The term "Black Widow" is used to describe a woman who is seen as treacherous or manipulative towards her romantic partners.
Musically, "Black Widow" maintains a fitting connection with its theme, as its energetic percussion and heavy guitar riffs, accompanied by overdrive distortion, convey a strong sense of anger and pain felt by the narrator. The skill of singer Kyle Knowles shines throughout the song, as his vocals consistently reach the upper range from the very beginning, adding an intense and emotional dimension to the track.
The lyrics talk about how the protagonist, upon discovering his partner's infidelity, ("You sleeping in my bed with another man"), experiences intense emotions that drive him to lose his mind. However, he can still see the situation clearly ("I've lost my mind but I'm seeing things pistol clear”), once again alluding to inner power and self-determination.
One of the most remarkable aspects of "Black Widow" is its incredible guitar performance, where both Kyle and Mike Murczek (Guitarist) engage in a sort of musical conversation. They take their own space to create guitar arrangements and express themselves freely, adding depth and intensity to the song.
Track 4: “Mister In-Between”
Mister In-Between is undoubtedly one of the greatest songs of this album, as it stands out significantly from the others with its more nostalgic sound, leaning towards that of a rock ballad.
The song begins with gentle guitar chords that give it an aura of calm and reflection. However, it is an incredibly demanding song in terms of vocals. Here, it is possible to appreciate Kyle's impressive voice in all its expression, as he effortlessly navigates singing across two octaves, showcasing various nuances ranging from soft to powerful vocals.
The theme of "Mister In-Between" revolves around a person feeling trapped in a state of uncertainty or limbo in a relationship, so it possibly has a close connection to "Black Widow." The lyrics suggest that the person's partner has moved on ("I guess it's colder where you are") and left them feeling abandoned and forgotten. There are references to feeling lonely and ignored ("There's a stop sign at the bar, all the flies tend to ignore").
The lines "You ain't the angel in my dreams, don't wanna call you and cause a scene" imply that the speaker has accepted the reality of the situation and no longer wants to hold on to a relationship that isn't working. He feels like the "Mister In Between," trapped in an undefined place between the past and the future.
It's interesting to analyze this song from a temporal perspective, as the order in which the album is arranged suggests that "Mister In-Between" could be a flashback to what the protagonist faced in the past, and now he sings it from a present time where, though nostalgic, he perceive it as a problem he has overcome and feel determined to move forward.
Furthermore, if this song does not have any temporal connection with the previous tracks, it perfectly reflects the "up an downs" of emotions associated with uncertainty that we as human beings face when dealing with heartbreak, challenging our ability to discern whether we made the right decisions or not.
Track 5: “Can’t Stop Dancing”
"Cant Stop Dancing" presents a strong rhythmic focus influenced by funk music, resulting in a vibrant and energizing composition. The instrumental structure is carefully crafted to create a "bouncy" sensation that invites the listener to move to the rhythm of the song. The masterful drum performance by Pat Sabyan stands out, as he incorporates numerous arrangements on the hi-hat and dazzles with impressive fills, showcasing his talent and skill on the instrument.
Regarding the theme, the song delves into toxic relationships, presenting a narrator trapped in an emotional roller coaster caused by their partner. It suggests that the relationship is complex and full of emotional instability. The chorus "I can't stop dancing around the answer, Your love spreads like a cancer" expresses the singer's inability to break free from this relationship despite the evident problems. Here, the metaphor of dancing reflects the protagonist's internal struggle to find a solution or answer to the conflicts in the relationship, while comparing his partner's love to cancer emphasizes the destructive and uncontrollable nature of this feeling.
It's interesting how, despite addressing a deep and complex theme, the song maintains a relaxed and fluid atmosphere. This could represent the duality of intense relationships, which can make us feel truly alive even though they may hurt us.
In the context of the album, "Cant Stop Dancing" serves a valuable purpose by providing an auditory respite between songs like the strong emotions evoked in "Mister in Between" and the powerful sound of "Napalm" that follows it. Its energy and infectious rhythm offer a unique and balanced experience to the listener, adding variety and versatility to the overall musical work.
Track 6: “Napalm”
"Napalm" is undoubtedly one of the most powerful songs that the guys from Just Arrogant Animals have included in this release. From the beginning, you can appreciate an essence oriented towards a much harder rock sound.
In "Napalm," the song explores rage, cruelty, and feelings of revenge. The song seems to speak about the intensity of hatred and how that emotion influences the actions of the protagonist.
The first verse indicates that someone has deeply angered the narrator, and the latter responds by saying to wait and see what will happen in a defiant tone. Then, the narrator compares himself to the person who made them angry, saying that, from their point of view, that person is also cruel, possibly suggesting that both have similar negative traits and that such feelings result from an emotional symbiosis. ("I said just wait and see, as far as I can tell your just as cruel as me.")
It's notable that the rhythmic guitar doesn't simply stick to playing chords but freely expands, performing melodies typically found in lead guitar parts throughout the entire song. The inclusion of synthesizers in the chorus makes the sound spectrum travel across the entire stereo channel, creating a sensation of absolute auditory amplitude.
This combination of musical factors makes "Napalm" an immensely powerful and captivating track that resonates with those seeking an intense and emotionally charged hard rock sound, allowing them to explore rage and anger with complete sincerity and honesty.
Track 7: “Solo”
"Solo," is the penultimate song of this release. Through the lyrics we encounter a protagonist who is experiencing feelings of loneliness, independence, and self-discovery. The narrator expresses that it has been a long time since someone talked to him, which may imply that they have been isolated or distant from personal or romantic relationships.
The song begins impressively with intense bass distortion, joined by an electric guitar with a soft overdrive effect. The percussion immediately joins in, focusing mainly on the use of the kick drum and toms of the drum kit, along with a tambourine that emphasizes the sound of the snare.
The musical arrangement sets the tone for the sense of solitude and introspection that the narrator is going through, creating a powerful and emotionally evocative atmosphere that draws the listener into their feelings of being alone and on a journey of self-exploration.
The combination of instrumental elements indeed generates a sense of suspense in the listener, evoking a kind of "preparation" before building up to an explosive moment. However, the song doesn't reach its climax until the 2:15 mark when Kyle, with his vocal performance, hits very high notes, giving space for an incredible guitar solo with a cool vintage sound that undeniably reminds us to great artists like "Jimi Hendrix.
The chorus of the song "I fly solo" emphasizes the idea that the protagonist is used to being alone and prefers to live life independently, without depending on others. It seems like he has experienced situations where someone has emotionally approached him ("the last time that you were dancing with me"), but he rejects those feelings and prefers to keep his distance ("You go so low I know what that means").
The verse "You knew the risks when you planted a seed, It's a slow grow when you dealing with me" indicates that people close to him know that he is someone difficult to emotionally connect with ("dealing with me") and that any relationship he tries to establish may take time ("It's a slow grow"). However, despite this, it seems that the protagonist is comfortable with his lifestyle and choices ("I'm a man you can't control") and prefers to be alone rather than changing who he is to please others.
The chorus "I fly solo" is repeated several times throughout the song, emphasizing the central idea of the protagonist's independence and solitude. It also mentions that he has been looking for a victory or triumph ("I really needed a win") in his life, implying that he has gone through difficulties or personal struggles and is waiting for something that will give him a sense of achievement or satisfaction.
Another remarkable aspect in the production of this incredible song is that the vocals have a controlled saturation, which provides extra power, combining with the instrumental composition to create a raw and intense feeling.
Track 8: “The Devil Knows”
“The Devil Knows” is the last track of this incredible musical work. At this point, it is undeniable to feel that we don't want it to end. However, "The Devil Knows" is a musical composition that stands out for satisfying the listener as it creates the perfect closing for this release throughout its almost 4 minutes.
In "The Devil Knows," we are introduced to a protagonist who has experienced difficult and dark times, possibly alluding to the emotional journey expressed throughout the other songs. But its main characteristic in terms of lyrical composition lies in the narrator expressing frustration, emphasizing the time he lost. The lyrics seem to refer to how in the past, that person and others could have distanced themselves from their problems or faced difficulties without addressing them directly.
This is a situation that undoubtedly everyone has faced at some point and makes us reflect about a very simple question: What if what happened didn't happen? What if things had been different?
This reflection is emphasized throughout the line "I'm walking on fire, I can't stand the flames," symbolizing that the narrator feels trapped in his pain due to the lack of options, leaving him with no choice but to move forward.
The chorus also describes something very intriguing. After hearing it for the first time, we can't help but wonder: Once a person's heart has been corrupted, are they destined for misery and to follow a path of destruction? Through the lines: "Those dirty liars, They can't complain, Because it's hard to change when the devil calls your name," it appears to present that question from the perspective of a narrator who feels that their counterpart is doomed to repeat mistakes once evil has left a mark on their life.
Musically, it's a song that stands out with its long introduction, where all the instruments take enough space to gradually add to the composition.
It's notable that the percussion in the song, both at the beginning and the end, somehow reminds us of a heartbeat, helping to express the protagonist's pain and that their emotions emanate from the depths of their being.
"Liars For Hire Episode I" is an album that undoubtedly showcases the versatility and talent of Just Arrogant Animals as musicians and composers. With their unique fusion of rock, blues, and metal, the band manages to convey a diverse emotional range through their introspective lyrics and powerful music. Each track on the album tells a different story, yet subtly correlates to create one magnificent work. The band's passionate performance, combined with their organic sound, captures the essence of each theme to resonate with their listeners.
Just Arrogant Animals has created a musical masterpiece that will touch the hearts of those seeking music that emanates from the most visceral emotions of the human being, speaking directly from the spirit and reality of human emotions. "Liars For Hire Episode I" is an album that you should undoubtedly add to your music collection as it offers an exciting and unique auditory experience for all lovers of rock, blues, and metal.
And the best part is… If there's an Episode I, is there a possibility of a sequel?
Find out by following Just Arrogant Animals on their social media, and don't miss out on their news and new releases!
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Website: https://www.justarrogantanimals.com