Arcus – Survival
There’s something hideous about modern life, and nobody has the time to talk about it. People are too busy running around, finding work and romance, and busy trying to maintain it. Looking at the monstrous world around them would simply put them off doing these things.
As a result, it all stays in the minds and bodies of individuals like some terrible ache. Of course, they’re not incentivised to think about. What if they say something that they shouldn’t to the wrong person? That could mean the end of love affairs and well-paying jobs.
That’s why so many people look for something to shake loose those emotions. That’s why modern people need the music of bands like Belgium’s Arcus. In a world where the truth is very rarely discussed, it has to be brought to life in some other way.
“Survival” by Arcus sounds like the kind of music that can only be played late at night and together with strangers who give you a knowing look. This dark wave track is intended to provide just the right background to listeners who want to dance their trouble away and also, for a brief moment, stare the monster straight in the eye.
Frozen Charlotte – Rotten on the Vine
For a very long time, rock n’ roll was all about fashion. Elvis didn’t become an icon by being an ugly-looking boy, The Beatles’ hairdresser should’ve received a Rolls-Royce from each band member, and Led Zeppelin’s stage outfits seemed to have come from a rodeo set in space.
And those were the days of, if you listen to cranky, old music critics, “real music,” a time when you couldn’t get by without the ability to professionally play an instrument. Oh, things never improved.
The industry sighed when they were forced to sanction Milli Vanilli, but did so, largely because they knew the project was a genius step forward. But where does it leave us?
The world needs to see the other side of the coin for once. Rock stars are perfect specimens, but what about the times when they’re not anymore? What about the songs about decay, disaster, or simply about getting older and not being able to do it with grace?
Most of those things are hidden from sight in the ever-image-conscious rock world. Frozen Charlotte would rather have all these fears out in the open. On the majestic, theatrical and, frankly, frightening “Rotten on the Vine,” the artist talks about getting older, losing appeal, and, eventually, having to consider one’s worth outside of shallowness. Is life worth more than a perfect haircut? Is life worth more than getting to sing “Crazy Train” in front of adoring fans who’d rather that their hero never die? Let’s hope so!
