I Contain Multitudes is the memorable new album from Irish band Stoat, whose array of various styles — from alt-pop to anthemic rock — melds enjoyably with lyrical insights into everyday life’s ups and downs, absurdities and all. As the band explains: “The album is about seeing the world as it truly is – the absurdity, the mundanity, the whimsy, the dread, the disappointments and the delights – and still managing to love it.”
Opening track “Sing Myself” consumes in its surreal yet relatable prowess — depicting day-to-day tasks, like awakening and getting ready for work, amidst a backdrop of quiet apocalypse. Prancing piano and glistening guitar tones complement a melodic vocal drive, bolstered by enthusiastic reflections throughout — resembling a cross of XTC and Queen. Depictions of a world that constantly threatens to fall apart, and striving to cope within it, drives into a delectable “darkness on the way” foreboding conclusion. The ensuing “Plan B” is another stylish standout, venturing from art-pop intrigue into roaring rock-forward chorus; there are shades of Sparks in the tonal maneuvers, while memorable lyricism captures the slow fade from youthful ambition to a soulless paycheck-driven grind.
Also compelling in its excellent songwriting, “Why You Should Give up on Your Dreams” is a harmonious thematic continuation — celebrating the notion of doing less, and emphasizing personal joy over achievements. “There’s freedom in not having dreams at all,” the vocals let out, as brass-y flourishes and frolicking piano assemble for an enthused pop radiance — which, with the cheery vocal additions, remind fondly of Jens Lekman. Meanwhile, “Let’s Go Out” dazzles thereafter in its flashes of slithering brass and art-rock mystique, exuding a title-touting call that shows shades of Madness’ pop/new-wave synergies. “Matter” continues this strong stretch, shifting into a more tender realm with effervescent keys, soaring vocals, and handclaps — as vocals convey wonderment in asking “what must it be like, to be made of inanimate matter?” and embracing the reliability of the physical world after chaotic dreams and pandemic isolation.
The album consistently impresses in its tonal range, from bright pop charms to brisker rock emotion. In an excellent case of the latter: A fantastic, catchy energy flows on “Let’s Be Strangers,” an emotive jangle-pop stunner with a title-bearing plea to “be strangers again.” A breakup song with a sense of digital-age detachment, the track mourns a loss of intimacy through emotional withdrawal and algorithmic indifference — musing on deteriorating connection as the swift guitar work and hooky vocal deliveries sound like a mixture of The Housemartins and Prefab Sprout.
“Yes Is the Best!” then enjoyably caps off the album, impressing with an a cappella production — lyrically feeling satirical in portraying a desire to fit in, even if that means saying “yes!” out of necessity. It’s another wit-filled success on an album that poignantly explores what it means to keep existing and participating in a world that often makes no sense, from the joyous to depressing and downright absurd. I Contain Multitudes represents a thorough success from Stoat.
