Words by Grace Franklin
Iron is an album about lifelong friendship, transitions, and connection. This grounding, melodic album is Post Animal’s first release since reuniting with ex band member, Joe Keery. Keery officially left the band in 2017 after his show Stranger Things took off as well as his solo career as Djo. Since then, the band has released two other albums, Forward Motion Godyssey (2020) and Love Gibberish (2022). Maybe it’s the result of old bonds rekindled, but Iron feels like something special, and it stands out as one of Post Animal’s strongest projects to date.
Opening with a slow, emotional instrumental, ‘Malcom’s Cooking’ sets the tone for the entire album. This acoustic guitar piece gives the listener a warm, almost familiar feeling. Melancholic tracks, “Last Goodbye” and “Maybe You Have To,” follow. “Maybe You Have To” is one of the most notable tracks on the album. It starts off with a voicemail from band member Wesley Toledo’s grandmother who had just passed a couple years before the release of Iron. This vulnerable track describes the intense feeling of grief and all the confusing emotions that come with it.
The album picks up with indie rock songs, “Setting Sun” and “Pie in the Sky.” Both tracks reflect on embracing change and personal growth while also learning to live in the moment. “Pie in the Sky” is a particularly sparkly track with layered guitars, a steady bass track, and synth textures. I love the creative use of vocals and figurative metaphors. The imaginative lyrics, combined with expressive vocal textures and layered instrumentation, sets a hopeful and uplifting tone.
Slowing the pace, “What’s a Good Life” is a reflective piece about coming to terms with the fact that there is no single perfect way to live. This flows into “Main Menu,” a transitional track featuring layered voicemails and a beat that gradually accelerates, building momentum as the song progresses. Possibly my favorite song on the album, “Dorien Kregg” follows after. Dorien Kregg” is a narrative-driven track that draws clear inspiration from the classic novel The Picture of Dorian Gray. The song follows a character who has engulfed himself in so much fortune and success that he ultimately forgets what is important and ultimately becomes disconnected and isolated. The characterized vocals used to impersonate Dorien Kregg are a clever device that immerses listeners into the narrative.
Finally, the album ends with more somber tunes, “Common Denominator” and “Iron.” “Common Denominator” is a guitar driven, sweet song about the shared human experience. With a soft melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Common Denominator” captures a universal sense of connection and shared vulnerability. The album then wraps up with “Iron,” which ties all the themes of friendship, loss, and the complexities of relationships together. The entrancing whispering vocals and 80s synth sound bring on a sense of nostalgia and dreamy introspection.
Iron is one of Post Animal’s most impressive projects yet. Though only a little over 30 minutes long, the album manages to explore a remarkable breadth of themes that resonate with the human experience. This vulnerability not only showcases the growth of the band, but also allows the listener to reflect on their own life, and challenges them to live in the present moment.
Loudspeaker Collective 