While some may call this an ambitious record, the 22-track album “As The Oceans Rise And The Empire Falls”, is what this music-enjoyer considers necessary and a breath of fresh air.
Released on November 19th of 2024, this unapologetic socio-political piece of work tackles the uncontrollable, often nihilistic thoughts of someone living in the United States as it continues down the path of late-stage capitalism.
Ian McCuen is not afraid to dig deep and tell it like it is through their eyes, a hat that many musicians are not eager to put on (unfortunately).
With song titles like “Indoctrinated, Propagandized” and “Death is a Business and Sales are Up”, Ian reminds us all of the chilling fact that the almighty dollar is placed far above the lives of people in the United States, and that other citizens are desensitized to this fact (revisit the first song title mentioned in this paragraph).
In “Fairytale For the Obedient”, we’re met with the idea that U.S. citizens were sold a lie; that conformity to the status quo was the only way to end up on the right side of history and survive the harsh capitalistic umbrella.
Though Ian McCuens ideas for the record started in 2016, the messages are all too familiar as the U.S. enters another rendition of unsettling political leadership that rewards targeted hatred and vitriol towards marginalized groups.
Whether it be through an acoustic guitar, a majestic horn, an omnichord, or a simple pocket piano, Ian pairs gorgeous melancholic tones with ultra-poetic and honest lyrics in a way that urges one to stare into a mirror, reflecting on their involvement in the system that perpetuates these juxtapositions.
This devastating and beautiful 22-track project is a reminder to remove the rose-colored-glasses of ultra-consumerism and capitalism, and to wipe your eyes clean of obstructions. Instead, during these trying times in the “best country in the world”, one must prioritize community, connection, and love for fellow humans.
Fostering these safe spaces to express these heart-wrenching feelings is paramount to surviving and a necessary piece of the puzzle if we want to truly start to thrive during our time on this planet. I am excited for this project to hit more ears, and hope to hear more from Ian McCuen in the near future.
Written by Newt Fangs
