Supercaan’s second album ‘A Tiger Walks The Streets‘ is a deep insight and journey through the band’s anxieties and reflections. Release both digitally and on vinyl, this sophomore album is a huge step in the evolutions of the bands sound. ‘A Tiger Walks The Streets‘, inspired by a line from their song ‘Nagoro’ encapsulates the ever present threat of modernisation, symbolised by the metaphorical tiger, and reflects on the fragility of human existence.
The album is built up as series of fables, with each track being a vignette of introspection and wisdom. Lyricist Tom Whitfield explains that the song, imbued with a naive wisdom, are wrote with their families in mind in order to the reflect the band member’s transitions into fatherhood and mature adulthood. This is reinforced by the album’s artwork, designed by frontman Greg Milner, which feature painted wooden toy blocks – playing into the paradoxical themes of innocence and societal rigidity.
The lead single, ‘Zoetrope’, sets the tone with its urgent critique of societal double standards. Its propulsive rhythm underscores sharp lyrical observations, while the multi-layered “Ricochet” dives into the complexities of vanity, portraying a protagonist who thrives on the judgment of others. This track’s synth-laden soundscape adds depth to its introspective narrative.
‘Everything Collapses’ stands out as an emotional centrepiece, a slow-burning tribute to a former bandmate. The song transitions from grief to peace, culminating in an anthemic finale that envisions the deceased’s son continuing his legacy. This track, in particular, holds a special place for Milner, encapsulating the band’s ability to blend personal loss with broader existential themes.
Formed in 2013, Supercaan draws inspiration from bands like Broken Social Scene and Six By Seven. Their anthemic indie rock sound is characterised by nostalgic synths and ruminative vocals, creating expansive electronic landscapes. This sonic grandeur serves as a fitting backdrop for the album’s weighty themes.
Recorded during the first lockdown in 2020 with producer Simon Weaver, ‘A Tiger Walks The Streets‘ reflects a period of intense focus and creative freedom. The band’s approach to recording, individually and remotely, allowed them to meticulously craft each sound and story. This period also saw the addition of guitarist Ralph Frost and bassist Justin Januszewski, bringing a raw physicality to the music.
In a bold move, the band invited Six By Seven’s Chris Olley to remix ‘Zoetrope’, resulting in a dark, drone-heavy interpretation that adds an ominous layer to Milner’s vocals. The accompanying video by Simon Peecock, nominated for awards at the Birmingham Film Festival, further enhances the album’s atmospheric depth.
With ‘A Tiger Walks The Streets‘, Supercaan navigates the complexities of modern life, delivering their most ambitious and cohesive work yet. This album not only solidifies their sound but also offers listeners a contemplative escape through its rich, narrative-driven tracks.
