Animal Poem
3 minute readPublished: Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 4:02 am
Anna Tivel's "Animal Poem" Delivers a Stark Look at Modern Hardships
Singer-songwriter Anna Tivel's latest album, "Animal Poem," offers a poignant and often unsettling exploration of contemporary struggles. The album, her seventh studio release, marks a shift in tone, moving beyond simple chronicles of hardship to deliver pointed indictments of societal ills.
The album's opening track sets the stage with a melancholic soundscape. Throughout "Animal Poem," Tivel's lyrics paint vivid pictures of individuals grappling with pain and seeking solace. The title track, with its defeated rhythm, portrays characters enduring constant suffering, from a panhandling mother to a magpie searching for beauty.
Tivel's storytelling shines when she presents complete and detailed visions. "Hough Ave, 1966," a retelling of the Cleveland Hough Uprisings, stands out as a particularly moving track. The song recounts a tragic narrative, capturing the despair and desperation of a life marked by hardship.
Despite the album's focus on difficult realities, moments of hope emerge. "White Goose" offers a more optimistic perspective, showcasing Tivel's ability to transform nature into a character. The song celebrates the beauty of the natural world, with lyrics that evoke wonder. The instrumentation complements the poetic lyrics, with contributions from Sam Weber and Galen Clark.
"Animal Poem" is a collection of songs that confront the harsh realities of the world while also offering glimpses of beauty and resilience.
BNN's Perspective:
"Animal Poem" is a challenging but ultimately rewarding listen. While the album's focus on hardship can be difficult, Tivel's artistry and the album's musicality provide a compelling experience. The album's unflinching look at contemporary issues is a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding.
Keywords: Anna Tivel, Animal Poem, album review, folk music, songwriting, music review, Hough Ave 1966, White Goose, indie music, new music, Portland, Cleveland, music, singer-songwriter