Space Charged – In the Grey Sky
English has held a chokehold on pop music since teen heartthrob Elvis Presley’s Country Yelped was successfully translated into global entertainment. Things are changing ever so slightly, yet the majority of bands continue to feel an obligation to tailor the lyrics of their songs to English-speaking audiences. It’s a way to hedge one’s bets, of course. After all, the majority of kids learn English through pop culture, including through songs.
But, really, there’s no need to do this. Not only is the tyranny of English-spoken media on the way out, but pop music, in all its varieties, doesn’t really need words. Not unless you’re trying to be the new Bob Dylan or Leonard Cohen, in which case you might be better off keeping the words and dispensing of the music.
Nah, music, just like the picture of a smiling or frowning face, can be instantly translated by people. It works with emotion, after all. Inspired by grunge and 90s alternative rock Space Charged’s “In the Grey Sky” is an anthem of discontentment, a letdown serenade, and angry retro rock music. There’s some muscle to this, sure, but also passion. But you’ll be able to tell whether you check in on the words or not.
James And The Cold Gun – Fragile
Like England at the Euros or the World Cup, fans have given up on rock music’s chances of ever achieving major success again. It’s not cynicism. It’s just an observation born out of consistent disappointment.
History tends to repeat itself, not correct itself, and England’s football team, like rock music in recent decades, has failed far too often for this not to be some kind of law of the universe ingrained in the fabric of time itself.
But maybe someone ought to try and do something about it. England never tries scoring more than one goal more than opponents, and rock bands almost never assume that they can play music that can be played on the radio or in front of thousands and thousands of casual listeners.
James And The Cold Gun’s “Fragile” is a song made by grunge rockers who haven’t gotten the memo. Like the ancient Japanese soldier, they’re still out in the jungle. Stone Temple Pilots used to make people dance with this kind of music and scored hits. What’s changed? Nothing, if you can produce the right sounds and bring in just the right amount of confidence. That’s what James And The Cold Gun plan to do.
