Chief Hyena’s ‘What a Lot of Rot!’: A beautifully chaotic catharsis
There’s something undeniably raw and urgent about Chief Hyena’s latest album, What a Lot of Rot!—a record that revels in its imperfections, thrives on its unpredictability, and pulses with the unfiltered emotion of an artist who simply had to get these songs out before losing himself entirely. Released on January 14, 2025, this long-awaited project is the sound of frustration turned into liberation, an alternative masterpiece that blends old-school grit with modern experimentation.
Chief Hyena, a Liverpool-born artist with deep roots in both classic and underground music scenes, approaches What a Lot of Rot! with the reckless abandon of a musician who has nothing left to lose and everything to say. The album’s creation was as unconventional as its title suggests—written predominantly on guitar before expanding into a sonic playground of keyboards, jazz kits, bass, and even the occasional contributions from a washing machine and boiler. It’s this embrace of spontaneity and imperfection that gives the album its chaotic charm.
The record kicks off with a gritty, psychedelic feel that immediately sets the tone—think early Pixies meets the experimentation of Pink Floyd, with an added dose of lo-fi garage rock energy.
Then there are moments of unexpected beauty that weave haunting melodies through reverb-drenched soundscapes, reminiscent of Radiohead’s more introspective moments. The album’s DIY ethos is ever-present, with each song carrying a rough-around-the-edges warmth that makes it feel intimate and deeply personal.
Lyrically, What a Lot of Rot! reads like the journal of a man teetering between self-destruction and artistic redemption. Chief Hyena isn’t afraid to confront the weight of creative block, personal disillusionment, and the suffocating expectations of modern life. But even in its darkest moments, the album never succumbs to despair—it fights back with humor, defiance, and an infectious sense of playfulness.
What makes What a Lot of Rot! truly stand out is its ability to bridge the gap between analog grit and modern production freedoms. There’s a timelessness to the way Chief Hyena blends jagged guitar riffs, experimental percussion, and layered synth textures, creating a sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh. It’s as if he’s channeling the DIY spirit of punk, the sonic ambition of prog rock, and the anything-goes ethos of today’s underground alternative scene—all while making it unmistakably his own.
What a Lot of Rot! is messy, unpredictable, and utterly alive—a defiant middle finger to overproduced, soulless music and a celebration of raw, unfiltered creativity. It’s an album that demands to be heard, not just as a collection of songs, but as a full-body experience. Chief Hyena may have been fighting madness while making this record, but in the process, he’s found something far more valuable: freedom.
Grab a nice pair of headphones and dive head first into the listen! Listen, follow along, and stay tuned for more by clicking those links below!
Listen to “What a Lot of Rot!”
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