The new album ‘And The Adjacent Possible’ by OK Go revolves around significant themes such as possibility, evolution, creation, and a new era of songwriting paradigms. Mathematics was never my favorite subject in school, and I often found equations and algorithms confusing, so this concept album, inspired by scientist Stuart Kauffman, who demonstrated how the 'state of possibilities' can lead to 'innovation' and 'evolution', piques my interest.
Damien Kulash, the frontman of the alt-pop band, explained that the theory "describes how current conditions create bubbles of potential for what comes next." This album, a follow-up to 2014’s ‘Hungry Ghosts’, features lead singles like ‘A Good, Good Day At Last’, ‘Going Home’, and the impressive ‘A Stone Only Rolls Downhill’, which showcases an inventive video true to OK Go's style.
OK Go is no stranger to creating imaginative music videos; they are as well-known for their boundary-pushing visuals as they are for their music. The vinyl edition of this album even functions as a mini art installation—when unfolded, it reveals a three-dimensional sculpture!
The album’s central theme resonates through all twelve tracks. The previously mentioned ‘A Stone Only Rolls Downhill’ reflects on how things "will be what they will," and Damien expresses his desire to assure his children that everything will turn out "just fine." It strikes a balance between maintaining faith and avoiding misunderstandings. This blend of hope and realism is visualized in the remarkable music video, which beautifully merges digital devices with analogue motion using 64 iPhones (with other brands available, dear reader!) to create a surreal mosaic representing harmony and discord.
Another balancing act emerges, as the song seeks cohesion while pulling in various directions. The track is vibrant, sincere, and emotional, destined to become a classic for OK Go. Its strength lies in its ability to shine independently, regardless of the grand kaleidoscopic music video.
The album also serves as a period of reflection for the band, looking back on nearly thirty years in the music industry while also gazing forward to what the future may hold for the next generation.
A highlight is the sunlit ‘A Good, Good Day at Last,’ featuring guest vocals from Ben Harper and Shalyah Fearing. This endlessly optimistic, uplifting anthem delivers a quick burst of joy in under three minutes. The bright mood continues with the buoyant synth-driven ‘Take Me With You,’ which feels like a fusion of David Bowie and Curtis Mayfield, blending disco vibes with soulful indie.
The band shifts gears with the entrancing ‘Going Home’ and the introspective ‘This Is How It Ends,’ which stands out as one of the most personal and thought-provoking tracks on the album.
OK Go has created an album filled with some beautifully crafted moments alongside tracks that possess ‘bubbles of potential.’ While it may not entirely represent the expected musical evolution after a decade, it is confident, perspective-altering, and, as our friend Stuart Kauffman suggests, offers a glimpse into OK Go’s ‘shadow future.’ It will be intriguing to see where the band's next sonic journey takes them.
7/10
Words: Emma Harrison // @emmahwriter
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Possibility, evolution, creation, and a new era of songwriting paradigms are central themes in OK Go's latest album, ‘And The Adjacent Possible.’ Mathematics was