# Civilisation II

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For the video game, see [*Civilization II*](/source/Civilization_II).

2021 EP by Kero Kero Bonito

Civilisation II EP by Kero Kero Bonito Released 21 April 2021 (2021-04-21) Genre Dream pop synth-pop hyperpop futurepop glitch pop art pop indie pop Length 14:01 Label Polyvinyl Producer Gus Lobban Kero Kero Bonito chronology Civilisation I (2019) Civilisation II (2021) Civilisation (2021) Singles from Civilisation II "The Princess and the Clock" Released: 24 February 2021[1] "21/04/20" Released: 21 April 2021[2]

***Civilisation II*** is the fifth [extended play](/source/Extended_play) (EP) by British [indie pop](/source/Indie_pop) band [Kero Kero Bonito](/source/Kero_Kero_Bonito), released on 21 April 2021 by [Polyvinyl](/source/Polyvinyl_Record_Co.). The follow-up to 2019's *[Civilisation I](/source/Civilisation_I)* EP, *Civilisation II* was preceded by the single "The Princess and the Clock" on 24 February 2021.

In a press release, Kero Kero Bonito described *Civilisation II* as a continuation of the ideas presented on *Civilisation I*, where they "explore instinctive human tendencies across three tracks, all completely devised using vintage hardware".[3] Both EPs along with an additional track, "Gateway", were merged into a [compilation album](/source/Compilation_album), titled simply *Civilisation* and released on 10 September 2021.

## Background

The prequel EP *Civilisation I*, released on 30 September 2019, was originally meant to be a stand alone project four tracks in length, named *Civilisation*, to build upon the themes of their second album *[Time 'n' Place](/source/Time_'n'_Place)* for their 2019 tour, but was shortened to three tracks, and split into two projects. The continuation, *Civilisation II*, was originally meant to be released in 2020, but was pushed back to 2021 because of the [COVID-19 pandemic](/source/COVID-19_pandemic).[4]: 7:10

## Release and promotion

Kero Kero Bonito announced the EP on 24 February 2021, along with releasing the single "The Princess and the Clock" with an accompanying [music video](/source/Music_video) to their [YouTube](/source/YouTube) channel.[5][6][7] The EP was released via Polyvinyl on 21 April 2021, along with the single "21/04/20" being uploaded to their YouTube channel.[2]

## Composition

*Civilisation II* has been described as a [dream pop](/source/Dream_pop),[8] [synth-pop](/source/Synth-pop),[9] [hyperpop](/source/Hyperpop),[10] [futurepop](/source/Futurepop),[11] [glitch pop](/source/Glitch_pop),[12] [art pop](/source/Art_pop),[13] and [indie pop](/source/Indie_pop) record.[14] The production of the EP was done with a [Korg DSS-1](/source/Korg_DSS-1) sampler and consisted a mix of [vintage](/source/Vintage_(design)) [synths](/source/Synthesizer) and evocative lyrics with a dreamy [arrangement](/source/Arrangement_(music)).[9][10] Kero Kero Bonito has also cited that the three tracks of the record, like *Civilisation I*, also represents three different tenses: past, present, and future.[15][11]

### Songs

*Civilisation II* opens with the [bubblegum](/source/Bubblegum_music), synth-pop, [experimental pop](/source/Experimental_pop), and hyperpop track "Princess and the Clock".[10][16][17][14] The song represents "past", lyrically tells about "a kidnapped protagonist being trapped in a chamber" with a [chiptune](/source/Chiptune) influence on the production.[16][11][17] The second track representing "present", "21/04/20" is an indie pop song with a "futuristic vibe".[15][16] Lyricisms of the track has been described as "ambling and diaristic" about reflections on [lockdown](/source/COVID-19_lockdowns) of the previous year through a [fable](/source/Fable) style, and has been likened as a sequel to "[Visiting Hours](/source/Time_'n'_Place)".[15][17][12] The record closes with the [synth-funk](/source/Synth-funk), [electro](/source/Electro_(music)), glitch pop, and [techno](/source/Techno) track "Well Rested", a remix of the song "[Rest Stop](/source/Time_'n'_Place)".[17][16][14][18] Noted as the "most [experimental](/source/Experimental_music) cut on the EP", the [beat](/source/Beat_(music)) of the track has been characterised as "between [vaporwave](/source/Vaporwave) and [acid house](/source/Acid_house)".[17][15] The song represents "future", it features lyricisms about an [environmental collapse](/source/Ecological_collapse) about "envisioning a [transhumanist](/source/Transhumanism) future as humanity evolves into new forms".[17]

## Reception

Professional ratings Aggregate scores Source Rating Metacritic 82/100[19] Review scores Source Rating DIY [12] Dork [16] NME [11] Pitchfork 7.5/10[15] Under the Radar [17]

*Civilisation II* was met with positive reviews upon release. At [Metacritic](/source/Metacritic), which assigns a normalised rating out of 100 based on reviews from mainstream critics, the album received a score of 82 out of 100, based on reviews from five critics, indicating "universal acclaim".[19]

Shaad D'Souza from *[Pitchfork](/source/Pitchfork_(website))* described the EP as "focusing on the emotional toll of disaster with ingenuity, wit, and a warm, bright sound" in contrast to *Civilisation I*'s "nightmarish visions of perpetual war and wildfire smoke". They also noted that it "meditates not on [human decline](/source/Human_extinction) as much as the fables and myths we create in order to adjust to it."[15] Martyn Young of *[Dork](/source/Dork_(magazine))* states that the EP "represent[s] the multi-faceted joy of a band who can do it all".[16] Jeff Cubbison of *[Impose](/source/Impose_(magazine))* called the track "The Princess and the Clock" an "explosive experimental synth pop anthem", describing it as a "shimmering and poignant dark-fairytale."[20] Joe Vitagliano of *[American Songwriter](/source/American_Songwriter)* named the EP one of the "best" releases from the first half of 2021, writing that "the [eclectic](/source/Eclecticism_in_music) mix of vintage synths, evocative lyrics and dreamy arrangements comes together to form something truly sublime."[10]

Kate Elridge from *Riot* on the other hand described the EP as "less cohesive" than *Civilisation I*, and while having a "promising start", remarking that the three tracks are "separate and unrelated", making the EP feel "disorganised and incomplete".[21]

## Track listing

Civilisation II track listing No. Title Writer(s) Length 1. "The Princess and the Clock" Douglas Lobban 3:49 2. "21/04/20" Lobban 3:02 3. "Well Rested" Lobban Sarah Perry 7:10 Total length: 14:01

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-paste_1-0)** Scolforo, Carli (24 February 2021). ["Kero Kero Bonito Announce Civilisation II, Share "The Princess and the Clock""](https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/kero-kero-bonito/kero-kero-bonito-the-princess-and-the-clock/). *[Paste](/source/Paste_(magazine))*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210225103456/https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/kero-kero-bonito/kero-kero-bonito-the-princess-and-the-clock/) from the original on 25 February 2021. Retrieved 4 March 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-BrooklynVegan_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-BrooklynVegan_2-1) Pearis, Bill (21 April 2021). ["Kero Kero Bonito release 'Civilization II' EP, share "21/04/20" video"](https://www.brooklynvegan.com/kero-kero-bonito-release-civilization-ii-ep-share-210420-video/). *[BrooklynVegan](/source/BrooklynVegan)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210421151010/https://www.brooklynvegan.com/kero-kero-bonito-release-civilization-ii-ep-share-210420-video/) from the original on 21 April 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Kero Kero Bonito Share 'The Princess And The Clock' & Announce New EP 'Civilisation II'"](https://circuitsweet.co.uk/2021/02/kero-kero-bonito-share-the-princess-and-the-clock-announce-new-ep-civilisation-ii/). *Circuit Sweet*. 28 February 2021. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210306092841/https://circuitsweet.co.uk/2021/02/kero-kero-bonito-share-the-princess-and-the-clock-announce-new-ep-civilisation-ii/) from the original on 6 March 2021. Retrieved 4 March 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-The_Needle_Drop_interview_4-0)** [Kero Kero Bonito](/source/Kero_Kero_Bonito) (21 April 2021). ["Kero Kero Bonito INTERVIEW"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ma_y5TcHMOU). *youtube.com* (video). Interviewed by [Anthony Fantano](/source/Anthony_Fantano).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Renshaw, David. ["Kero Kero Bonito release 'The Princess and the Clock,' announce new EP"](https://www.thefader.com/2021/02/24/kero-kero-bonito-princess-clock-civilisation-ii-release-date). *[The Fader](/source/The_Fader)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210227112030/http://www.thefader.com/2021/02/24/kero-kero-bonito-princess-clock-civilisation-ii-release-date) from the original on 27 February 2021. Retrieved 4 March 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-exclaim_6-0)** Gregory, Allie (24 February 2021). ["Kero Kero Bonito Prep 'Civilisation II' EP, Share New Song"](https://exclaim.ca/music/article/kero_kero_bonito_prep_civilisation_ii_ep_share_new_song). *[Exclaim!](/source/Exclaim!)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210225135722/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/kero_kero_bonito_prep_civilisation_ii_ep_share_new_song) from the original on 25 February 2021. Retrieved 4 March 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Kero Kero Bonito announce 'Civilisation II' EP | News"](http://diymag.com/2021/02/24/kero-kero-bonito-civilisation-ii-ep). *[DIY](/source/DIY_(magazine))*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210225204936/https://diymag.com/2021/02/24/kero-kero-bonito-civilisation-ii-ep) from the original on 25 February 2021. Retrieved 4 March 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Fader_8-0)** Maicki, Salvatore (12 May 2021). ["Kero Kero Bonito on magic pop, Bugsnax, and the limits of poptimism"](https://www.thefader.com/2021/05/12/kero-kero-bonito-civilisation-ii-interview-bugsnax-poptimism). [Fader](/source/The_Fader). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210512183412/https://www.thefader.com/2021/05/12/kero-kero-bonito-civilisation-ii-interview-bugsnax-poptimism) from the original on 12 May 2021. Retrieved 22 June 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Dazed_9-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Dazed_9-1) Yalcinkaya, Gunseli (23 April 2021). ["Five things that inspired Kero Kero Bonito's new EP Civilisation II"](https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/52573/1/five-things-that-inspired-kero-kero-bonito-s-new-ep-civilisation). *[Dazed](/source/Dazed)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210423195313/https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/52573/1/five-things-that-inspired-kero-kero-bonito-s-new-ep-civilisation) from the original on 23 April 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Amsong_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Amsong_10-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Amsong_10-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Amsong_10-3) American Songwriter (8 July 2021). ["The Best Albums Of 2021… So Far"](https://americansongwriter.com/the-best-albums-of-2021-so-far/). *[American Songwriter](/source/American_Songwriter)*. Retrieved 18 July 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-NME_11-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-NME_11-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-NME_11-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-NME_11-3) Jolley, Ben (21 April 2021). ["Kero Kero Bonito Civilisation II EP"](https://www.nme.com/reviews/kero-kero-bonito-civilisation-ii-ep-review-2925010). *[NME](/source/NME)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210421152742/https://www.nme.com/reviews/kero-kero-bonito-civilisation-ii-ep-review-2925010) from the original on 21 April 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-DIY_12-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-DIY_12-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-DIY_12-2) Thirlwell, Elvis (21 April 2021). ["Kero Kero Bonito - Civilisation II"](https://diymag.com/2021/04/21/kero-kero-bonito-civilisation-ii-ep-review). *[DIY](/source/DIY_(magazine))*. Retrieved 19 July 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Paste staff (21 July 2021). ["The 25 Best EPs of 2021 (So Far)"](https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/best-eps/best-eps-2021-so-far/#kero-kero-bonito-civilisation-ii). *Paste*. Retrieved 2 August 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Popmatters_14-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Popmatters_14-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Popmatters_14-2) Hayden Merrick, Evan Sawdey (24 November 2021). ["THE 15 BEST INDIE POP ALBUMS OF 2021"](https://www.popmatters.com/best-indie-pop-albums-2021). Popmatters. Retrieved 6 January 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Pitchfork_rev_15-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Pitchfork_rev_15-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Pitchfork_rev_15-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Pitchfork_rev_15-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Pitchfork_rev_15-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Pitchfork_rev_15-5) D’Souza, Shaad (21 April 2021). ["Kero Kero Bonito Civilisation II EP"](https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/kero-kero-bonito-civilisation-ii-ep/). *[Pitchfork](/source/Pitchfork_(website))*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210421143949/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/kero-kero-bonito-civilisation-ii-ep/) from the original on 21 April 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Dork_16-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Dork_16-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Dork_16-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Dork_16-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Dork_16-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Dork_16-5) Young, Martyn (20 April 2021). ["Kero Kero Bonito – Civilisation II EP"](https://readdork.com/albums/kero-kero-bonito-civilisation-ii-ep/). *[Dork](/source/Dork_(magazine))*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210421144423/https://readdork.com/albums/kero-kero-bonito-civilisation-ii-ep/) from the original on 21 April 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Under_the_Radar_rev_17-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Under_the_Radar_rev_17-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Under_the_Radar_rev_17-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Under_the_Radar_rev_17-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Under_the_Radar_rev_17-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Under_the_Radar_rev_17-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-Under_the_Radar_rev_17-6) Campbell, Caleb (22 April 2021). ["Kero Kero Bonito Civilisation II"](https://www.undertheradarmag.com/reviews/civilisation_ii#). *[Under the Radar](/source/Under_the_Radar_(magazine))*. Retrieved 8 July 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sputnik_rev_18-0)** JohnnyoftheWell (30 April 2021). ["Review: Kero Kero Bonito Civilisation II"](https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/83198/Kero-Kero-Bonito-Civilisation-II/). *Sputnikmusic*. Retrieved 8 July 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-MC_19-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-MC_19-1) ["Civilisation II \[EP\]"](https://www.metacritic.com/music/civilisation-ii-ep). *Metacritic*. Retrieved 4 April 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** Cubbison, Jeff (24 February 2021). ["Kero Kero Bonito – 'The Princess and the Clock'"](https://imposemagazine.com/bytes/new-music/kero-kero-bonito-the-princess-and-the-clock). *[Magazine](/source/Impose_(magazine))*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210227220805/https://imposemagazine.com/bytes/new-music/kero-kero-bonito-the-princess-and-the-clock) from the original on 27 February 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** Eldridge, Kate (20 April 2021). ["EP Review: Kero Kero Bonito // Civilisation II"](https://riotmag.co/ep-review-kero-kero-bonito-civilisation-ii). *Riot*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210420105346/https://riotmag.co/ep-review-kero-kero-bonito-civilisation-ii) from the original on 20 April 2021.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Civilisation II](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civilisation_II) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civilisation_II?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.