Bristol-based experimental psych-rock ensemble My Octopus Mind have been crafting a distinctive and high-energy sound since their inception in 2017 and their forthcoming third studio album, Trying to Be Normal via Drongo Records out on November 3rd is a remarkable addition to their catalogue.
The band’s unique blend of experimental rock wanders through their various influences with cohesive ease from post-punk swagger to wailing riffs to Balkan rhythms and more.
Trying to Be Normal was written during the not so distant but socially distant pandemic years of 2020 and 2021. With time on their hands, the band was able to focus on creative freedom. That freedom can be heard throughout Trying to Be Normal.
I mean come on, there’s a song titled “Sabertooth Monkey” for god sake. If that’s not creative freedom, then I don’t know what is.
Toothy animals aside, Trying to Be Normal dives into serious the societal issues like male identity, rape culture, and heartbreak but is also laced with moments of humour and whimsy.
My Octopus Mind‘s fresh approach to music-making is evident with tracks that are short and sweet, perfect for those who have thirty to sixty second social media based attention span, and longer ones for those who enjoy a trip through chunky song structures that build layers and layers as the song goes on. No matter the preference, the album has something for everyone.
Oli Cocup, drummer, says,
I came up with the title after a tongue in cheek discussion about making the structures of our songs a bit more approachable. Three or four minute bangers sort of thing. We maybe managed two. Things got out of hand, but the title is still true. We tried.
Their effort to escape reality and create music for the sheer joy is a success in my book. By allowing the band’s blend of neurodiverse musicians to shine, they marvellously succeeded in having fun, embracing chaos, and challenging the norms of rock music.
My Octopus Mind is the amazing companion one needs to roam this Universe and Trying to Be Normal is the much needed cathartic escape from the anxieties and doldrums of life. With these two by one’s side, life is bound to not only be better but beautiful, wonderful, and filled with creative chaos and perhaps even a little bit of stardust and magic.
MUST LISTEN TRACKS: “High Roller”, “Moving Slow”, “Minor Celebrities”, “Wandering Alone”, “Sabertooth Monkey”, Made Out of Lies”
FAVOURITE TRACKS: “Sabertooth Monkey”, “Wandering Alone”, “Draining the Swamp”
