It’s a hard truth, but few people come to a decision on their own and, when challenged, have the power to maintain it.
Blame it on the frailty of our human nature, or blame it on our education. But nearly every single one is a potential turncoat. All that’s needed is somebody to make a better point, or, to yell it louder.
In an era that prizes democracy, this issue has become more consequential than ever. Critical thinking is in short supply, although it ought to be the mechanism driving democracy. And those who have acquired it, with plenty of labor, are bombarded with information meant to distract them.
Does music have a duty to protest against this? No, it was never designed directly for such purposes. Still, the ones writing the tunes and looking ahead to what’s to come can at least laugh and share the joke with their audience.
On the new 2024 single, “Fiction’s Real,” Eduard Bănulescu, DYI musical artist and Alt77 editor reveals himself to be as baffled as everyone else as to what he should think about the important issues. But the shock isn’t stopping him from realizing that things sure have changed. There’s no guarantee the news ain’t fake. The modern world’s biggest joke is that it can make conspiracy theorists of us all.
With a tinfoil hat and Gibson guitar in tow, Bănulescu delivers a chaotic, humorous, and at times grimy punk/alt-rock performance on “Fiction’s Real.” Unlike the string of previous singles released during 2024, gone are the sleek arrangements and harmonious orchestration.
“Fiction’s Real,” at times, sounds ready to skid off the rails. Drums collide with lead guitar lines as Bănulescu dryly sings an ode to a land of perpetual make-believe. But, if anything, this is the sound of the modern world – a clash of ideas looking to get one up on the other.
There’s something surreal about the modern way of life. Artists have no contract saying that they need to criticize. But they ought to be able to make us laugh about it all.