With a name as immediately eye catching and gripping as “Satanic Puppeteer Orchestra”, you’re bound to expect something a bit dastardly and decadent. On the immensely intriguing and intricate “Have an Existential Crisis”, the ever so experimental and provocative outfit craft an art rock ensemble that’s replete with so much sonic succulence that you’re wholly immersed in its imagination and craftiness. From the opening subtlety of “Pick em’ Up”, the almost spoken word and soft vocal performance just cascades on the up tempo and reggae-esque arrangement that slowly blends into a more electronic rock driving ensemble. As he sings “I am picking up the pieces”, the instrumental around it just floods you with a strangely happy perk.
Across its fourteen track runtime, there isn’t a dull moment to be had on this record. It’s consistently evolving in sounds. The vocals feel robotic, delivered like an almost AI recording from some dystopian robot discovering what it means to feel and experience life itself. But that’s strangely contrasted by the liveliness of the arrangements, that feel so full of life and joy. It’s in that diametrically opposed evocation that “Have an Existential Crisis” really grasps you. “Am I a success or am I a mess”.
There are more pointed rock songs that are delivered with a suaveness and swagger that’s palpably pervasive and addictive. Tracks like “Asking for a Friend” have that rock and roll bravado in droves. From back to front, this record is a musical ensemble well worth your time and experience. It’s rich and diverse, constantly pushing boundaries and showcasing more and more with each passing moment.