Post Animal is a band that you’ve heard before(even if you haven’t.) They’re the kind of quiet indie rock band that’s been banging around for years. Calling themselves psychedelic seems to be a stretch, though their music can be moody; folksy, intimate, and heart-on-sleeve for sure. They could have easily fit right in the Pitchfork darling crowds of the mid-to-late 2000s. Maybe tour with Williamsburg pals like Grizzly Bear or Dirty Projectors. Then maybe release a collab EP with My Morning Jacket or Fleet Foxes.
Of course the biggest reason we’re talking about Post Animal(besides a new album) is because of their famous band member Steve Harrington of Stranger Things, Joe Keery. Keery was on the band’s debut record which dropped in 2018, but ended up having to leave due to acting commitments. Keery put out his solo debut as Djo in 2019 with Twenty Twenty, and followed it up in 2022 with Decide.
After a hiatus, Post Animal have reconnected with Keery and have released IRON. Absconding to the Indiana wilderness, the band wrote together while reconnecting with each other as friends and band members. The result is the engaging and thoughtful IRON. No new ground has been broken, but when the songs are this catchy that’s not necessary.
Opening with the instrumental opener “Malcolm’s Cooking”, the band set the stage for their jangly new record. “Last Goodbye” comes in all cool and groovy, sounding like Pedro The Man and Midlake chilling on the porch. “Maybe You Have To” has the tape wooziness of Mac Demarco with touches of Dr. Dog thrown in for good measure. And “Setting Sun” has that tight indie rock groove that will keep you hitting play.
That’s the basic formula here, catchy soft rock guitar anthems that are like popcorn for the ears. Even if you’re full you still shove it in your gob. Tasty, flavorful, but with little lasting effect. One outlier would be the weird and almost glam pop track “Dorien Kriegg”. OKGO on a Sweet kick while the band plays in a chest of drawers full of feather boas and eyeliner.
Even without their celebrity band member Post Animal would be a solid band. IRON is filled with catchy, low key woozy indie folk rock. Might be a good summer listen, though it may not garner repeat listens come fall.
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