Center of the World by Koalra: Review

by Damien Reid January 20, 2023

January 20, 2023

Center of the World by Koalra: Review

‘Center of the World,’ from Koalra’s most recent album, Nihilism and Analog Tape, represents a natural progression in the band’s style. Koalra, heavily inspired by the music of the 1990s, combines the fuzz-rock textures of bands like Dinosaur Jr. with the experimental elements of acts like The Cure and Sonic Youth. There are hints of Post-Rock, Noise-Rock, and Indie Rock in this wonderfully nostalgic and relaxing piece. An expertly produced aural journey, ‘Center of the World’ envelops us in its hazy soundscapes and laid-back vibes.

It is the seventh single from the album, and it has a range of musical styles and inspirations that come together to create a pleasurable experience as a whole. The music is both upbeat and melancholic, transporting back in time despite the harshness of the current moment and acting as an entrance pass to a parallel realm free of negativity and mayhem. In reality, one will be taken right to the core of who they are and why they are here. The single serves as a social reflection on our uncertain society, and the artists are not hesitant to go over into the realm of the controversial.

The music of the band is always progressing and reaching new horizons, and their new song ‘Center of the World’ seems to adopt a throwback approach, mixing current sounds with classic post-punk. Overall, a hypnotic soundtrack to which one might retreat on the darkest of days.