Living Thing

Living Thing represents a stark sonic departure for Peter Bjorn and John, arriving three years after the global success of Writer's Block. Recorded primarily in Stockholm, the album sees the trio abandoning the 'whistle-pop' tropes that defined their earlier work in favor of a dark, minimalist aesthetic influenced by post-punk and early electronic music. The production is characterized by its extreme dryness and emphasis on unconventional percussion, often eschewing traditional drum kits for found sounds and analog machines. Critics from AllMusic and BBC Music noted the album's challenging nature, with many praising its rhythmic complexity while acknowledging its move away from radio-friendly accessibility. It stands as the most experimental entry in their discography, bridging the gap between indie pop and avant-garde electronic textures. The record's focus on 'rhythm as melody' would go on to influence the more percussive side of the 2010s indie scene.