Taxidermy are a noisy post-punk project from Copenhagen, and “You Are Here Now” is their newest single, an enticing lead up to their upcoming EP out next month. What truly captured my attention on this track was the compelling vocal performance by frontperson Osvald Reinhold, who pulls you in and keeps you spellbound with an emotional, unwavering intensity. It lingers with you long after the song ends and it becomes a signpost of the track, guiding you through every nuance and moment of tension constructed by the band. The rest of the band consists of Toke Brejning Frederiksen (guitar), Joachim Lorch-Schierning (bass), and Johan Knutz Haavik (drums).
“You Are Here Now” is nearly six minutes long, and the subtle shifts in the music that culminate to dramatic peaks keep you intrigued the entire time. The track is generally minimalist, opening with ambient drone sounds that lead to a series of heavy breakdowns. Taxidermy offset the noise with hypnotic melodies and instrumental distortion that marries the elements together. Taxidermy skillfully toggle between gentle, meditative guitar work and heavy, crushing riffs, creating a dynamic interplay with the lyrics, such as the line “a gentle but violent push.” The cyclical nature of the song personifies the feeling of being in an inescapable loop of destructive patterns. The repeated mantra of “you are here now” serves as an anchor in the song, emphasizing presence in a world that’s constantly shifting. The imagery of bridges and islands expose an outlook that connectivity and isolation are mutually exclusive, further unveiling an emotional underlining to the song. The contrasts in tone and texture add layers of depth to ‘You Are Here Now,’ marking it as both a bold statement and a tantalizing preview of the band’s upcoming EP.
“You Are Here Now” is released ahead of Taxidermy’s upcoming EP Let Go which will be out on May 16th via Pink Cotton Candy Records. Pre-order available here.
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