Man Alive!

by King Krule

Released February 21, 2020 via True Panther / Matador Records

Originally reviewed on March 1, 2020

Top tracks (based on community voting)

Stoned Again (37%), Alone, Omen 3 (31%), Comet Face (21%)

King Krule continues to prove why he is one of the most raved about artists in the indie/rock scene of today. Man Alive! finds him at his most simplistic, and this simplicity allows King Krule to write incredible lyrics, catchy bass lines and riffs, and culminate these elements in a surrealistic pillow of introspection and somber atmosphere. Weaving his way through numerous stylistic influences, from aggressive piano hits to dreamy synths and psychedelic blues, he combines an array of ideas into something beautiful and wholly its own. – Jared (9.5/10)

Man Alive! Is just that, alive. But it isn’t too much beyond that, as King Krule is decidedly gloom on his third record. A fusion of post-punk and jazz creates an atmospheric sound that feels bogged down, hazy, and psychedelic. But through his monotone voice, Archy Marshall’s lyrics paint a somewhat optimistic view, almost as if he’s searching for life and purpose amidst the somber backdrop created by his music. Focused and cohesive, Man Alive! is a great record that feels heavy, but rarely overbearing. – Dominick (8.5/10)

With his third album, King Krule opts to hone in on a specific cohesive aesthetic, something that his previous album, The OOZ, very much did not set out to achieve. This alternative approach presents us with a nice set of somber, dreary, yet also beautiful tracks that fit snugly up against each other. This has quickly become a favorite for many of us. – Enth (8.5/10)

King Krule's third studio album, Man Alive!, proves to be King Krule's most well-worked project to date. What it lacks in length—in comparison to 6 Feet Beneath the Moon and The Ooz—it makes up for with cohesive quality. The usual grit and grime attached with the Archy Marshall tag is still prevalent, but Man Alive! approaches these characteristics in a classier manner. Subtle transitions between tracks make for a free-flowing, serene-like experience. The highs don't quite reach the likes of “Baby Blue” or “Dum Surfer,” but the quality in songwriting, the shortened album length, and overall consistency from track to track more than make up for this. Like most slow burners, multiple listens are required, as back to back deep dives are where Man Alive! comes to life. This record solidifies an already impressive run as one of the finest in contemporary music. – Peter (8/10)