motel void

Animal Scream, a doom pop band formed in 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has released their new EP Otherwordly Pictures this February. Based on the name and overall aesthetic, I must admit that I initially expected something dark in the vein of Have a Nice Life – but Animal Scream defy expectations, and that’s a good thing.

Their new EP starts with It’s Gonna Be Cruel, that kicks off with a brooding verse carried by an infectious groove, only to be jolted awake by danceable choruses reminiscent of artists like Tame Impala and Youth Lagoon.

Let’s Get Lost opens with a trip-hop feel, but soon, its shadowy intro, punctuated by warped guitars, gives way to glimmers of hypnotic, sun-drenched pop. The contrast between the eerie atmosphere and the shimmering melodies creates a surprising sonic journey.

For me, Slow Down probably stands out as the most memorable track on the EP, thanks largely to its stunning instrumentation—it feels like the soundtrack to an oceanic documentary, fluid and expansive. The vocals soar into striking high notes, something I personally love, adding an ethereal touch to the track.

The title track, Otherworldly Pictures, lives up to its name with an atmospheric quality. A Tiny Love takes me back to the soundtrack of Cruel Intentions (1999), with its seductive, moody undertones reminiscent of bands like Skunk Anansie.

The EP closes with Green Bag, a track that introduces even richer instrumental palette. As the song unfolds, a reverb-drenched trumpet emerges in the final moments, lending a grand, cinematic feel. While the ending may lean slightly toward the predictable, it nonetheless provides a satisfying and well-executed conclusion to the record.

I also highly recommend checking out the extended version of this EP, available exclusively on the band’s Bandcamp. It features six remixes, each bringing a fresh perspective to the original tracks. Right from the start, Jake Hanner’s remix of It’s Gonna Be Cruel grabs attention—a dense, almost industrial take that adds a whole new weight to the sound.

The title track, Otherworldly Pictures, gets a rework from Nicolas Snyder, who contributed to the sound design of the Oscar-nominated film Beautiful Men. His version strips away the song’s original laid-back feel, replacing it with a cool, restrained, and seductive production that fits Animal Scream well. Another standout is Chris Miskis’s remix of A Tiny Love, which unexpectedly takes on sort of radio-friendly sheen while still retaining its psychedelic essence.

You can tell that each artist approached these remixes with real creativity and care, making them feel like an organic extension of the record rather than just an afterthought.

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