Driven by existential rumination and the persistent human quest for purpose, the age-old inquiry, “What have you done with your life?” has haunted many a soul. While this query might occasionally creep into our thoughts during more introspective moments, it takes on an almost existential weight during defining junctures.
Enter Slutavverkning, Stockholm’s avant-garde jazz-punk mavericks. Delving deep into this very contemplation, they unleash their existential exploration with “Realisation.” Like a sudden jolt of awareness, the track is an audacious blend of frenetic energy and raw introspection. The musical chaos embodies the frantic search for meaning, while moments of jazz-infused contemplation echo the silent void of uncertainty. It’s a turbulent odyssey through the psyche, challenging listeners to confront their own moments of truth.
“The song is about a man who is seeing his life suddenly coming to an end. Unfortunately for him, it’s not a happy ending…” warns vocalist Jon Ekström.
Drawing from the raw, unrestrained energy of The Birthday Party, the poignant edginess of early Modest Mouse, the fiery ethos of Fugazi, and the unapologetic spirit of Fear, Slutavverkning collectively forges a cacophonous alchemy. They gleefully throw the visceral thrust of punk into a cocktail shaker with the unpredictable rhythms and improvisations of avant-garde jazz and the chaotic aesthetics of No Wave, blending a squeaky sax atmosphere that’s as unsettling as it is magnetic. It’s a genre-bending experimentation that thrills…yet confounds.
“It started as a straight punk tune, but we wanted to give it a twist,” muses guitarist Pelle Andersson. “And what could be more out of place in punk-rock than an atmospheric, chill-out jam? So that’s what we did.”
The video is an amalgamation of found footage from various vintage films, perhaps serving as a placeholder for the cyclical nature of the human experience. The musical tastes may vary, but the foundational stories remain the same. The femme fatale, the performers’ individual anxieties, the pitfalls of life in the limelight. Life is precious, no matter what century your soul decides to drop into. Consider Slutavverkning your oracle.
Watch below:
Slutavverkning is a supergroup of sorts, featuring Per Wiberg on bass (ex-Opeth, Candlemass, Spiritual Beggars…) and Isak Hedtjärn on saxophone and clarinet (Fire! Orchestra, Viagra Boys, Grismask). The band previously released three acclaimed EP’s, but “Levande Charader” is their first recording to feature this specific lineup.
“Realisation” is the third and last single from their upcoming debut album, “Levande Charader,” coming out on the first of September, via Feral Cuts on vinyl, cassette and all major streaming services.
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