A jumpy, creative rock sound excels throughout Creature Law, the debut EP from Anglo-French art/alt rockers The Animal Objective. Now a four-piece, The Animal Objective was initially the solo project of British musician and graphic artist Tim Naish. His move to France resulted in the meeting of three musicians who bolstered the lineup in 2019 — adding bassist Sylvie Pichard, drummer Tonyo Chauveau, and guitarist Jojo Pannier.
Lyrical surrealism pairs with angular guitar work and delightfully unpredictable song structures, making for an exciting listening experience. “Milky Sand and Soil” kickstarts the EP with ferocious immersion. Twanging guitars appear sporadically in between doses of hectic distortion; the vocals mirror that dynamic expression, between shout-y enthusiasm and stream-of-conscious unwinding. A hypnotic, soaring guitar character brings forth a more introspective quality past the one-minute turn — firmly showcasing the band’s knack for diverse tonal explorations and satiating structural rises/falls.
The EP doesn’t let up in creativity, as “And Dine Ophelie” ensues in its mixture of bursting prog-rock charisma following an initial jangly dexterity. “Sublime” is another stunner, enthralling in its uneasy vocal feelings and escalating guitar builds. A punk-friendly spirit emanates past the one-minute mark, with hints of Black Sabbath and King Crimson alike. “Irregular Handshake” concludes the EP with an ardent initial refrain that fully embraces individuality — “I don’t need no regular handshake.” Chirpy guitars and emotive vocals meld with bursts of passion within, particularly compelling during the “not afraid of lying,” introspective switch-up — capping off the EP with a strong final punch.
