Alex Giannascoli, known to the indie world as Alex G, has cultivated a captivating mystique. Emerging from the Bandcamp DIY scene as a teenager to becoming a Domino Records artist and Frank Ocean collaborator, his career trajectory is as unique as his sound. His music, often characterized by its raw vulnerability and melodic unpredictability, reaches a new level of artistic depth in his album “God Save the Animals,” released on September 23rd. This record, arguably his most mature and cohesive work to date, showcases Alex G moving beyond past frustrations to explore themes of grace, beauty, and, notably, spirituality. This exploration naturally leads fans and critics alike to ask: Is Alex G Christian?
Alex G’s dedicated fanbase, evident in the fervent activity on his subreddit, approaches his work with an almost religious devotion. They dissect his often ambiguous lyrics with the intensity of biblical scholars, seeking meaning in his autotuned vocals, layered instrumentals, and melancholic narratives. This devotion has solidified his status as a cult figure in indie rock, drawing comparisons to the revered Elliott Smith.
However, beneath the icon status, Alex G remains grounded and relatable. His lyrics often delve into personal experiences, revealing a sensitive and vulnerable persona. He maintains an honest perspective on his artistry. In a Stereogum interview, he admitted to the fluctuating nature of his self-perception regarding his music, stating, “When I’m done with something I know it’s done, but whether or not I think it’s good changes 100% day-to-day. I feel like I hated [2017’s “Rocket”] … I feel that way with every album.” This candidness further endears him to fans who appreciate his authenticity.
“God Save the Animals” marks a significant thematic shift for Alex G, venturing into spiritual territories. While sonically adventurous, the album grapples with complex emotions and seeks pathways through grief and hardship, aiming for upliftment without resorting to simplistic optimism. The title itself, “God Save the Animals,” hints at spiritual and Christian motifs woven throughout the album. Crucially, Alex G has clarified his personal stance: he is not religious. However, he intentionally engages with religious themes to investigate concepts of forgiveness and personal evolution. In a Pitchfork interview, he explained, “A few people that I’m close to became religious. It made me wonder what they found. I love exploring those concepts lyrically because I don’t have any answers.” This exploration, rather than affirmation, seems to be the driving force behind the spiritual allusions.
The opening track, “After All,” immediately introduces these themes. The repeated lines, “After all / People come and people go away / Yeah but God with me he stayed,” sung over a gentle piano, evoke the simplicity of a hymn. The layered, pitch-shifted vocals create an effect reminiscent of a children’s choir, further enhancing the spiritual undertone. Yet, the song’s focus ultimately shifts to human connection. As the music intensifies with distortion and overlapping vocals, he sings to a loved one, “In the years you feel the most alone / You will build the walls I climb.” This suggests that while employing religious language, the core message centers on faith in human relationships as sources of strength and purpose during challenging times.
“Runner” presents another facet of this exploration. Initially sounding like an upbeat anthem about friendship with its bright guitar and driving rhythm, the song takes a darker turn. Alex G’s ecstatic chatter about a dependable friend is juxtaposed with the unsettling confession, “Yes, I have done a couple bad things,” followed by a piercing cry. The outro further complicates the theme with the chanted lines, “Load it up, know your trigger like the back of your hand,” hinting at a potential for danger even within close bonds. This juxtaposition of bubbly music and ominous lyrics suggests a nuanced view of human relationships – acknowledging flaws and potential for harm while still valuing connection and forgiveness.
While previous albums might have leaned into anger and cynicism, “God Save the Animals” reflects a shift towards reflection and acceptance. At 29, Alex G contemplates themes of settling down and family, evident in “Miracles,” where he sings about raising a family – a topic he previously approached with irony. He also reflects on his career trajectory, questioning his artistic output: “How many more songs am I supposed to write / Before I should turn it off and say goodnight?” This introspection indicates a move away from relentless productivity towards appreciating the present and the “miracles” in his life.
The album’s production quality significantly contributes to its impact. “God Save the Animals” is Alex G’s first album entirely recorded in a studio setting with professional mixing engineers. This relinquishing of complete DIY control, moving from home recordings to studio production, results in a more cohesive and immersive sonic experience. His genre-bending approach, blending folk with hyperpop elements, feels more purposeful, enhancing his thematic explorations rather than overshadowing them. In “S.D.O.S,” a distorted, spectral voice chants “Naked in my innocence” over an eerie piano melody, creating a demonic atmosphere. This contrasts sharply with the subsequent transition to an R&B-infused beat and a bratty, autotuned voice proclaiming, “God is my designer / Jesus is my lawyer.” This sonic duality exemplifies the album’s exploration of contrasting themes and perspectives.
Ultimately, “God Save the Animals” reveals Alex G’s evolving artistic voice, one that embraces gratitude and acceptance rather than defiance. While the album utilizes Christian motifs and spiritual language, it’s crucial to understand that Alex G is not Christian in a confessional sense. Instead, he employs these themes as a framework to explore universal human experiences of forgiveness, growth, and the search for meaning in a complex world. His music, in this album, preaches not dogma, but a profound appreciation for life and human connection. For fans seeking to understand is Alex G Christian, the answer lies not in religious affiliation but in his artistic exploration of spirituality and the human condition through his music. Thank goodness for the artistry of Alex G.
