I have to wonder about the specificity of the titular meeting in Mac the Knife’s new single “Take Me to the Meeting”. What kind of meeting is it? A party? A date? A secret think tank of the world’s finest minds? A covert collection of Australia’s most cunning criminals?
Whatever. All you need to know is that on the new track, the Sydney band play their sweet brand of frantic punk to mark a new era, one which sees them leaning into cinematic sounds, big statements, and following the fear. With over a decade in the Australian music scene under their belts, they’ve become well-known for their gritty live shows and perspiration-inducing punk rock. And by God, if throwing yourself into a sweaty mosh pit isn’t following the fear, I fail to see what is.
On the new single, they’ve worked with renowned Central Coast producer Jack Nigro (no relation to Dan Nigro) to form a bombastic sound like a racing heart. The song itself is about rushing past red flags because the heart craves connection. There’s not much to the lyrics; aside from the title sung in the chorus, Bryn Chapman Parish takes on a David Byrne-esque croon while singing “Jumpstart me in the back of your heart / I can’t wait for you to tear me apart.”
The phrase repeats throughout the song, showing off the desperation to chase after opportunity and meaning even if it means self-destruction. It’s a vibe to which too many might relate in this age of isolation, where people want to find community but don’t often know how, and when they do find it, it may require some sort of sacrifice.
But sometimes, that community is a loud and crowded Sydney nightclub where Mac the Knife are playing, and perhaps someone has brought you there to get you out of the house, and you know that despite the bruises and the potential hangover the next morning, you’re in for a fun time and new friends.
Take a listen to “Take Me to the Meeting” below.
Written by Will Sisskind
