Animals (Architects song) explained

Animals
Type:	single
Artist:	Architects
Album:	For Those That Wish to Exist
Recorded:	2019–2020
Studio:	Brighton Electric (Brighton, East Sussex, UK)
Length:	4:04
Label:	Epitaph
Chronology:	Architects
Prev Title:	Modern Misery
Prev Year:	2018
Next Title:	Black Lungs
Next Year:	2020

"Animals" is a song by British metalcore band Architects. Produced by the band's drummer Dan Searle and lead guitarist Josh Middleton, it is featured on the group's 2021 ninth studio album For Those That Wish to Exist. The track was released as the lead single from the album on 20 October 2020. It was written by Dan Searle alongside the rest of the band, and was produced by Searle and Josh Middleton.^{[1] [2]}

A live orchestral version of "Animals" was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London, being released onto the band's YouTube channel on 26 March 2021 as well as being able to be streamed exclusively on Amazon Music.^[3]

Composition

The song has been described by critics as a metalcore^[4] and a hard rock song^[5] with electronic and industrial influences.^[6] The track runs at 95 BPM and is in the key of C-sharp minor. It runs for four minutes and 4 seconds.^[7] The song was written by the band as well as being produced by band member Dan Searle who co-produced the song and the album alongside Josh Middleton.

Music video

The video for "Animals" was released on the same day as the song was released on 20 October 2020. It was directed by Dan Searle.^[8]

Chris Krovatin of The Pit described the music video as "including flashes of beautiful and inspiring imagery that, while open to interpretation, are none the less devoid of any specific meaning...powerful imagery that at the end of the day is more about inspiration than trying to get across any real message, agenda, or allegiance."^[9]

As of April 2024, the song has 28 million views on YouTube.

Personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal.^[10]

Architects

• Sam Carter – lead vocals, lyricist, composition
• Josh Middleton – lead guitar, backing vocals, lyricist, composition, production
• Adam Christianson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals, lyricist, composition
• Alex "Ali" Dean – bass, keyboards, drum pad, lyricist, composition
• Dan Searle – drums, percussion, programming, lyricist, composition, production

Additional personnel

• Zakk Cervini – mixing

Charts

Weekly charts

Weekly chart performance for "Animals"

Chart (2020–21)	Peak position
Scotland (OCC)^[11]	78
UK Singles Sales (OCC)^[12]	76
UK Singles Downloads (OCC)^[13]	72
UK Rock & Metal (OCC)^[14]	19
US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard)^[15]	42

Year-end charts

Year-end chart performance for "Animals"

Chart (2021)	Position
US Hot Hard Rock Songs (Billboard)^[16]	10
US Mainstream Rock (Billboard)^[17]	31

Notes and References

1. Web site: Watch Architects return in the dramatic video for new single 'Animals'. NME. Moore. Sam. 20 October 2020. 20 August 2021.
2. Web site: Architects Return With Huge New Single, Animals. Kerrang!. Carter. Emily. 20 October 2020. 20 August 2021.
3. Web site: ARCHITECTS REVISIT “ANIMALS” FOR NEW PERFORMANCE WITH FULL ORCHESTRA—WATCH. Alternative Press. Dowd. Rachael. 26 March 2021. 20 August 2021.
4. Web site: Architects Offer Metalcore Perfection with 'For Those that Wish to Exist'. Rolling Stone. Reid. Poppy. 26 February 2021. 20 August 2021.
5. Web site: Architects Release New Single, “Animals”. MetalSucks. Neilstein. Vince. 20 October 2020. 20 August 2021.
6. Web site: Surprise! Architects debut intriguing new single, “Animals”. NewFuryMedia. 20 October 2020. 20 August 2021.
7. Web site: Key and BPM of Animals by Architects. Musicstax.com. 20 August 2021.
8. Web site: SEE ARCHITECTS RETURN IN THE OMINOUS NEW VIDEO FOR “ANIMALS”. Alternative Press. Dowd. Rachael. 20 October 2020. 20 August 2021.
9. Web site: Architects Drop New Single “Animals” Via Surreal Music Video. WeAreThePit.com. Krovatin. Chris. 20 October 2020. 20 August 2021.
10. Web site: Credits / For Those That Wish To Exist / Architects . Tidal. 26 February 2021. 20 August 2021.
11. Web site: Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart. Official Charts Company. 23 October 2020. 20 May 2024.
12. Web site: Official Singles Sales Chart. Official Charts Company. 23 October 2020. 10 September 2023.
13. Web site: Official Singles Downloads Chart. Official Charts Company. 23 October 2020. 10 September 2023.
14. Web site: Official Rock & Metal Singles Chart Top 40. Official Charts Company. 30 October 2020. 20 August 2021.
15. Web site: Architects Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs). Billboard. 20 August 2021.
16. Web site: YEAR-END CHARTS: Hot Hard Rock Songs. Billboard. 9 November 2022.
17. Web site: YEAR-END CHARTS: Mainstream Rock Songs. Billboard. 9 November 2022.