Imagine a dystopian world, not very different from the one we live in. From climate-change-induced natural disasters to surveillance states propping up around the globe, we have brought the planet and humanity to ruins. And in the middle of the bleakness, the overwhelming sadness and destruction, there is a party that we are dancing at. And the music that is playing at the party? This.
Aware of the mess and yet, managing to bring musicality, acceptance and humor to it, “Lucky Hand” and “Dunce” from New Balance’s upcoming album, To Live And Die In LA, are a song-ification of the absurdist philosophy. Yes, there is a void but they make you dance while staring into it. In New Balance’s own words, they are “balancing the terror of being alive with the wonder of living”.
“Lucky Hand” has a jittery and playful rhythm that runs right through the whole track. Jeremy Leasure’s vocals sound fresh and nostalgic at the same time. The way the instruments swallow up the second halves of most vocal phrases is addictive; it creates anticipation and keeps the momentum going. Lyrically, the song seems to recognise the gap between what we intend to do and what we actually manage to do, and the guilt that exists in that gap.
And I wish more than anything
You knew how much I care for you
Even when I haven’t come through
The guitar riff at the end, along with the synths and drums, creates an end-of-a-film effect and brings the track to a beautiful close.
“Dunce”, on the other hand, meets the bleakness with self-deprecating humour.
I’m the cooked egg on the sidewalk
Flip me right over and serve me all up
It places importance and power in one person in an ironic way, creating contrast between mundanity and cosmic events. Ancient people disappointed in the singer’s attempt at living this life and an ancient flood being caused by his accidental spilling of a mop bucket– again, agency and disappointment make an appearance, hand in hand. The vocal harmonies sound surreal and the lyrics and vocal delivery lend the song a rather deadpan humour. It is short and sweet and together, the two songs are a nice peek into what can be expected from their upcoming record!
“Lucky Hand” and “Dunce” are out on October 27 and New Balance’s third album, To Live And Die In LA is set to be released on Friday, November 20, later this year
Written by Riya
