Originally, I was only planning on doing a review of the single off Analog Monsters' new EP, “Sorry for Slacking,” called “Psycho Psusan.” I began the process as I do any other single review: I played the song on repeat in the car on my way into work. During that hour drive off to do whatever it is I do to make my living, I found myself wanting more. So, I put the full EP on and found myself blown away by what I heard. A collection of tunes that is dominated by layered synths and wailing guitars. The kind of record that so often amounts to a great idea bungled in execution, pulled off nearly flawlessly. There is no other way for me to discuss this album than by doing a play-by-play, so let’s get into it before I start rambling and that word counter creeps up to one thousand.
Things kick off with “Eternal Sublimity,” a sparkly tune that sets the stage for the rest of the album. This song is a cycle of swells wherein the music gradually rises from a snapping beat and plucking guitar to a peak of screaming keys, synth, and strings. Everything you can expect from “Sorry for Slacking” is served up right here at the door.
Next up is the one that pulled me in, “Psycho Psusan.” This one starts off with an intro that is ripped straight from a Longmont Potion Castle bit. The vocalizations, the trickling synth, the refusal to talk regularly—it’s almost a little too spot-on. From there, it takes a sharp turn into something akin to pop music. All of the components are there: you have a warm synth, fluttering guitar, and driving bass. Of course, you also have more electronic synths layered over top, explorative percussion, and another part I can’t quite identify. I have no idea what it is that’s making that noise, but it sounds similar to another song I was recently yapping about, “Dance Pt. 1” by the Stones. These combine into something that is easier to listen to than the rest of the album without ever going so far as to become vapid or predictable.
The third track is “Pandemic Clues,” which is most certainly my favorite off the album. I LOVE a song that feels haunting, almost ghostly. “Pandemic Clues” starts with a bluesy wandering guitar that whispers gentle riffs accompanied by a spectral organ. The organ playing on this track is nothing short of exquisite. Forget Booker T and the MGs; there's a new key player in town. Then, about halfway through the song, another synth part drops in out of left field. This synth sounds like it was inspired by a treatsforbeasts video. There are quite a few parts of this record that sound like references to obscure YouTube videos, which I have to believe is just a coincidence, but they’re so spot on that it has me wondering.
Things slow down a bit with “Stayhere.” It’s like a psychedelic-infused junior prom slow dance song. Echoey synths and guitar that shift between weeping and palm muting carry you through a trip that’s a dead ringer for the humming music you hear while having an ayahuasca breakthrough. I hate to bring this up again, but the layering here is unreal. So often with this kind of music, you find that layered instrumentals don’t line up right. They sound a little too different, making the song clunky and hard to follow. “Stayhere,” on the other hand, is seamless. An absolutely airtight arrangement that can be appreciated for its craftsmanship alone.
The EP wraps up with “Sound of Indigene,” which drops the tempo down one more step before it blows up in your face. It begins with a jazzy rhythm and spoken word vocals that bring to mind visions of smoky cafes full of beats, taking in a night of wine and slam poetry. From there, whining guitar and thudding bass come in, and the vocals become wrathful. The jazz deteriorates into some heavy 90s punk, the kind of thing you would have heard at Woodstock ‘99. “Sound of Indigene” is out of place on “Sorry for Slacking.” The rest of the album is consistent electro-psychedelic mayhem, but this is punk-rock plain as day. It would be disorienting if the rest of the album wasn’t such a strange ride. You never know where “Sorry for Slacking” is going, and so a sudden shift like this fits right in.
“Sorry for Slacking” is weird. Very, very, extremely weird. I’ll come right out and say it’s not the most consumable thing in the world. If you’re a newbie looking to get into the groovy swinging scene of psychedelic rock, you should start elsewhere. If, however, you’re a seasoned freak who can appreciate a record of wild experimental jams, then “Sorry for Slacking” is going to absolutely rock your gourd.
Bandcamp New & Notable Dec 10, 2025
