ALBUM: Lark 'Funny Man' - GigslutzGigslutz

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Funny Man is the fifth album from Lark, an independent band based in London, created by Karl Bielik. Nothing should be taken literally on this record. Funny Man is an ode to the dysfunctional; brimming with guilty, gritty, passive aggressive tracks.

Don’t be misled by the seemingly ordinary track names – ‘Funsize’, ‘Curtains’, ‘Kitchens’ – each one is an extrapolation on loneliness, anger, and self-loathing. Lark has lived/is living through these things, and through turbulent synthesizers, aggressive bass hooks, and ominous vocals, he breathes new life in to these anxieties.

Whilst some tracks feel repetitive – and could technically be cut from the album – there are plenty of memorable songs littered throughout Funny Man. As the name suggests, ‘Shakes’ is a visceral, uneasy listen; like the aural equivalent of a panic-ridden, sweaty hangover. ‘The Cupboard’ hosts a moody bass hook, given extra effect when coupled with Bielik’s ambiguous “There’s nothing there, you’ve left the cupboard bare”. The lyric “suffocate me with a Tesco bag” makes ‘Jettison’ the stand out track on the album, and is full of bile and burnt-out belief.

Lark’s style may not appeal to all listeners, but anyone who’s managed to pull themselves back from the brink of a panic-attack after a weekend binge will be able to appreciate his work on Funny Man.

Funny Man is released on Friday 10th July via Standard Lamp Records.