'Arc' - Everything Everything

Following their critically acclaimed debut album 'Man Alive', Everything Everything return with their second, 'Arc'. With the album comes a new clarity that enables us to better appreciate the outstanding talent of frontman Jonathan Higgs. Something (quite possibly the genius lyrics present in every track) tells me that he wants to be heard.

Following the brilliantly native shriek-fest that is 'Kemosabe' on the track list, 'Torso of the Week' resembles the 'Photoshop Handsome' single from their first album - once again Higgs pities a world obsessed with image, while also poking fun at it. The lyrics "girl you been hitting that treadmill like a freak, and maybe you're not quite the torso of the week. Hollowest cheeks in the county..." make it difficult to decide whether today's fitness crazy population is being mocked or sympathised with.

'Undrowned' is a work of art in itself. Eery and haunting, the lyrics are a descent into darkness; "the edge of my memory, some kind of energy burned up, and frittered away, bile in the gutters and gout for a God". The song ends with a frantic Higgs begging "Don't leave!" and you're left feeling rather unsettled.
Another highlight of the album is 'Don't Try', Higgs' rich falsetto vocals combined with a beautifully simple chorus. 

While Everything Everything's first album was a triumph, 'Arc' is a masterpiece. The second time round, we see the band grow bigger and better, and comfortable in a genre that they have made their own.