De Blimp – Rhino Giraffe Man
De Blimp are a band from Ontario, Canada. Their songs borrow heavily from psychedelic rock and blues, while also incorporating a wide range of styles from avant-garde, alternative rock and new-wave. Rhino Giraffe Man was an equal effort by both the band and was co-released with the equally stunning Pink Goym as a package. While not as emotionally impacting as Pink Goym, Rhino Giraffe Man boats the most creative and consistent output in De Blimp’s discography.
The Man from Japan is without a doubt the highlight. The interchanging of sections is vividly captivating; both unpredictable and inspired. Rhino Giraffe Man Pt.1 is another highlight, with its finely tuned guitar solo beautifully borderlining drone in vain of Roy Montgomery. Despite their strange parabolic atmospheres, Blue Healer and Chrome Man are both fanatical and captivating; many of the tracks are similar in nature. Another good example is Disestablishment; while it may be a little unrefined and awkwardly mixed, it’s undeninably catchy and wildy imaginative. My biggest complement is reserved for De Blimp respectful and tasteful implementation of Eastern riffs, though; such as during the opener. Unlike the stale and uneventful album cover, there’s personality coated all over this record.
One can’t go much further into the review without mentioning the impressive guitar work. The performance is of exceptional quality; one could easily assume this was a studio album on a label. The drums, however, have become the weakest element in the band’s music. The ordinary guitar-pedal drums are not to the standard of everything else on display, though they are tremendously tight. Furthermore, whereas Pink Goym sits at an incredibly comfortable length, Rhino Giraffe Man is much too short. It asserts an impeccable sound that should have been expanded upon. One may even question why De Blimp didn’t simply merge the strongest tracks of both albums; the second half of Pink Goym would have comfortably sat between The Fields and Anya.
Nevertheless, if there’s anything to fault De Blimp for, it’s for not working on their projects longer. The most impactful albums have come from long periods of effort; something De Blimp should consider for their next effort. The short album length is disappointing, though this may partly have been to do with the restrictions of being a concept album. Such pity criticisms for an excellently crafted album; Rhino Giraffe Man is as memorable as it gets. Each vocal line is frivolously chanted, as is each imaginative guitar riff; the creative world of De Blimp is incredibly alluring and it’s extremely captivating. It’s exciting to see which direction De Blimp will take from 2021 onwards.
Great
Listen to it here:
De Blimp – Rhino Giraffe Man
