So I’m doing my usual rounds on the internet and start checking up on Neon Gold records, the label responsible for Passion Pit, Marina & the Diamonds, Ellie Goulding, The Sound of Arrows and most recently Penguin Prison. I was familiar with all but the last so I did a little research and ran into Penguin Prisons first single Animal Animal, which has incredible lyrics but left me wanting more in terms of production. Some more searching lead me to his label mates The Sounds of Arrows and their remix of this song, suddenly all my needs were satisfied. These days it seems like making a slow song is a tremendous career risk and we barely get to hear anything below 120 BPM, so when I heard this laid back version of Animal Animal I was taken somewhere else.
I don’t wanna think anymore, about anything that I can’t see. I can’t think about anything, unless that thing is in front of me.”
It seems like this dude is going through a very difficult time and is desperately searching for a way to simplify his life. The metaphor of wanting to become an animal simply serves to express his desire to stop thinking about things that don’t really exist. I’m so intrigued by this song because I myself have recently been exploring the concept of the past and what it really means.
For example, in a relationship you may have done something great when you first met your significant other and he or she will probably always be in love with that memory. However, people can only hold on to past memories for so long and it’s what you’re constantly doing in the present that will keep the love alive – How you’re making them feel, not how you’ve made them feel. Every moment is passing and I’m starting to realize not just the value of my own time but of everyone’s and if you’re going to deal with someone you have to make sure both parties have that understanding. My new thing is that it’s not about the past, not about the future, not even about the present, I’m starting to think in seconds, enjoy.
I don’t wanna think anymore, about anything that I can’t see. I can’t think about anything, unless that thing is in front of me.”
Penguin Prison – Animal Animal (The Sound Of Arrows Remix)