Animals As Leaders Do Not Go Gently
So, you love Animals As Leaders, right? That mind-bending instrumental band that sounds like aliens landed and decided to play the guitar? You might think they're all about technical wizardry, but trust me, there's a whole lot more to their story than just shredding.
Think of it like this: Animals As Leaders isn't just a band; it's a journey. A journey where heavy riffs meet unexpected melodies, and where the musicians themselves are constantly evolving. It's not always smooth sailing, though. Sometimes, that journey involves a bit of, shall we say, *resistance*.
The Quiet Revolution
You see, bands don't just magically become amazing. It's a process, a constant push and pull between different ideas and personalities. And sometimes, those ideas clash. Especially when you're trying to push the boundaries of what's possible with music.
Imagine trying to convince your bandmates that the next song should have a polyrhythm so complex that it requires a PhD in mathematics to understand. That's probably a conversation that doesn't end with everyone agreeing instantly. It's more like a friendly (but intense) creative tug-of-war.
This resistance, this "not going gently," is actually a crucial part of what makes Animals As Leaders so special. They're not afraid to challenge each other, to question assumptions, and to fight for their artistic vision.
Tosin Abasi: The Benevolent Dictator?
Let's be honest, Tosin Abasi is the mastermind behind Animals As Leaders. His innovative guitar playing and compositional skills are the foundation of the band's sound. But even masterminds need collaborators.
And those collaborators? They're not always going to agree with every single decision. Imagine Tosin suggesting a 9/8 time signature over a djent riff. It's beautiful, but it might require some persuasion!
The other band members, like Javier Reyes and Matt Garstka, bring their own unique talents and perspectives to the table. They aren't just robots executing Tosin's vision; they're active participants in the creative process.
The Fight For the Groove
Animals As Leaders are known for their complex rhythms and unconventional song structures. This sometimes leads to situations where the "groove" needs some serious convincing.
It's like trying to herd cats, except the cats are musical notes, and you're trying to get them to dance in perfect harmony (even if that harmony is a little dissonant).
That resistance, that struggle to find the perfect groove, often results in the most memorable and impactful moments in their music. The little nuances, the subtle shifts in rhythm, the unexpected turns – those are the things that make Animals As Leaders so captivating.
More Than Just Notes
Ultimately, Animals As Leaders’ refusal to "go gently" isn't just about musical technicalities. It's about passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of artistic excellence.
They push themselves, and each other, to be better, to create something truly unique and meaningful. This is what allows them to constantly reinvent their sound while still staying true to what makes them special.
So, the next time you're listening to Animals As Leaders, remember that behind those complex riffs and mind-blowing solos, there's a story of creative struggle, of hard-won victories, and of a band that refuses to compromise its vision. And that, my friends, is something truly worth celebrating.
