Squid – Building 650

Squid’s latest single, “Building 650,” captures a unique blend of musicality and narrative, offering a glimpse into the band’s upcoming third album, Cowards, due February 7 via Warp Records. Inspired by their first trip to Japan, the track reflects on the nuanced experience of being an outsider in an unfamiliar yet fascinating culture. Frontman Ollie Judge’s lyrics delve into the juxtaposition of Tokyo’s bustling surface and the unsettling quiet that lies beneath, a sensation heightened by the timing of their 2022 visit, just after Japan lifted its COVID-19 travel ban.

Musically, “Building 650” walks a tightrope between tension and release, weaving 60s psychedelica and post-punk elements into a taut composition. The influence of producers Marta Salogni, Grace Banks, and longtime collaborator Dan Carey is evident, as is the meticulous mixing by John McEntire (of Tortoise).

Cowards promises to be an evolution for Squid, as the band ventures beyond the introspection of their previous albums to embrace the broader world.