FFO: Rock, Politics
The message, messenger and music are equally important and impressive during the current single “Hypocrite,” from the Inoculated Canaries. Produced by Matt Squire (Panic! at the Disco, The Used, Taking Back Sunday, Demi Lovato) and mastered by Howie Weinberg (Multi Grammy award-winning music engineer, Gold and Platinum records), the 4:08 track sarcastically reminds listeners that politicians can have “lying eyes” while being “unambiguously responsive” to constituents. Here is how.
Best in category and purpose
With perhaps the most contentious political climate in years, released well ahead of Election Day, “Hypocrite” is timely, exact and carries a message for all seasons. Once the voting ends, The Inoculated Canaries song will continue to be relevant, delivered through lyrics including the stanza, “I’m temporary, holding steady, I’m going down/Come with me and you see me, try to bail myself out.” Without referring to any one specific person or party, different public figures certainly will come to mind. The New York City-based band just has that way of getting enthusiasts to think as well as listen.
Alongside the messaging, the guitar work during “Hypocrite” is cutting and dexterous, the band driving. Influenced by culture and music from the 1960s and 1970s, the use of harmonies is superb in every respect. The lead vocals
are intelligible, accessible and tell a story about less than honorable office-bearers and candidates which can apply most everywhere. The tempo is pleasant with the rhythm battery serving up a cadence which helps keep the song moving at a welcoming pace. Meanwhile, keyboards complete an exciting sonic profile, all adding up to a solid listening experience. The classic elements of a band featuring guitar, bass, drum and keys is potent in itself; add talented singing and the combination becomes something worth noting, as in “Hypocrite.”
Watching fiction imitate reality
The accompanying YouTube video is part tongue-in-cheek, played mostly by actors, with footage of the band performing the song. While synced to the imagery, though a serious contemporary topic, certain clichéd scenes render the viewing fun. Tongue-in-cheek favorites include the leading character, a modern politician neatly dressed in a conventional grey suit complete with flag lapel pin, kissing a plastic baby and swiftly handing the infant off to an assistant, who happens to be the lead singer. The national election has passed, but it is not too late to enjoy the music.
Inoculated Canaries are Michael Rubin – guitar, vocals; James Terranova – drums; Dylan Gross – bass; and Brian Sweeney – keyboards.
For more about the Inoculated Canaries, please visit:
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Paul Wolfle, the publisher of musicinterviewmagazine.com, is a web-based journalist who has written for several popular sites. Paul has a passion for connecting with a diversity of musicians who are looking to grow a positive presence on the World Wide Web.
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