SINGLE REVIEW: Topiary Creatures (feat. Anatole Muster) – Nameless Darkness

Back in 2024, Nashville twinkle-emo four piece Topiary Creatures scored the double here at Vinyl Fantasy Reviews; their remarkable third record, ‘The Metaphysical Tech Support Hotline’, and its closing track, ‘Cleaning Basil Out of the Pool’, were the Album of the Year and Song of the Year respectively. The band’s musings on the anxieties of modern society, from social media to religion, made for a truly unforgettable experience that was as joyful as it was heartbreaking.

At long last, the band have announced their upcoming fourth LP, ‘Greenhouse Oubliette’, and have dropped a remarkable accompanying lead single; ‘Nameless Darkness’ is yet another perfect example of the beautiful whimsy that makes Topiary Creatures so compelling to behold. Bittersweet melodies collide with twinkling, maximalist instrumentals in a cinematic affair that transforms the world around you. Bryson Schmidt remains a remarkable frontman, with his distinctive vocal style glowing with character as he sings of an anxious, desperate need for connection and safety.

Anatole Muster contributes a gorgeous accordion verse during the track’s splendorous midsection, before Topiary Creatures take the reins again and rally the track through a galloping climax. Layers of vocals frolic with one another, Schmidt’s screams intermingling with the ethereal highs of co-vocalist Elizabeth Schmidt, as the defy executed percussion of Gibson Littleton rushes by, and the sparkling guitar work of Nathaniel Edwards dances with a flock of synths and the rousing sunrise of a saxophone.

It seems that whatever Topiary Creatures endeavour to create culminates as a marvel of musicianship. ‘Nameless Darkness’ already codifies their presence on the best songs of 2026 list, yet there remains an entire album that could improve even further upon this wondrous lead single. If you have yet to pay attention to Topiary Creatures, then there has never been a better time than now to start doing so.

For Fans Of: Fireworks, male//gaze, A Place For Owls, Arm’s Length, Adjy

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