Weezer’s newest album “Ok Human” is nearly a return to roots for the band. The album itself presents a new form of music that is different from what Weezer usually does. The album, rather than distinguishing itself as a new sound, instead created an orchestral alternative sound that is strikingly familiar to older Weezer songs. The tempo, percussion, and many of the string instruments are unchanged in some songs in this orchestral album. This experimental style is mildly reminiscent of another early 2000s alternative orchestral and synthesizer focused band, RJD2. There are a multitude of new and unfamiliar sounds due to the much larger amount of instruments, but they come together to make an intriguing mix of up-beat orchestral music and alternative pop-like beats. 

In contrast, Weezer utilizes the orchestra’s versatility to experiment with more instrumental songs and more powerful lyrics. Songs like “Numbers,” “Playing My Piano,” “Bird With A Broken Wing,” and “Dead Roses.” These songs are more of an experimental sound, not one that we might be used to hearing from Weezer. They focus on the power of the orchestra in these songs, allowing for a much different tone and style. The tempo and tone change using the orchestra to bring a much more heartfelt and saddening sound. This musical experiment by Weezer seems to be quite successful. “Everything Happens For A Reason” seems to capture the pure essence of the 38 piece orchestra influenced by Weezer’s alternative style, and when played before “Here Comes The Rain,” shows a greater involvement between the band and orchestra.

The other seven songs truthfully capture the versatility of Weezer as a band. Weezer remains its same old self, revisiting and mastering their alternative sounds. Songs like “Screens,” “La Brea Tar Pits,” “All My Favorite Songs,” “Aloo Gobi, and “Grapes Of Wrath,” for example, induce some level of nostalgia for earlier Weezer hits like “Island In The Sun” in their 2001 album, “Weezer Green Album.” The upbeat tempo and high energy style in these songs brings excitement and a distinct feeling of early 2000s summers. The focus is less on how they can use the orchestra’s sound to change their own, but how they can use the orchestra to amplify their own unique sounds.