There’s a time and a place for subtlety. Now is not the time and here is not the place. A protest song in every sense of the word, State Of The Nation is a fiery spoken word piece that asks huge questions and doesn’t shy away from the unfortunate answers.
Let’s face it. From budget cuts to privatisation and from thinly-veiled fascism to out-and-out racism, there’s a lot to be angry about in Britain right now and the Wolves break the list down with admirable – but alarming – comprehensiveness. The concept of the gulf between the proletariat and The Fat Cats – or commenting on it through art – is by no means new, but certainly something that, at this moment in history, feels perhaps more vital than ever before.
Musically, the powerful lyrical sentiment is backed by an eclectic and intriguing mix of elements. Traditional acoustic instruments (piano and acoustic guitar) blend seamlessly with programmed beats, epic electronic soundscapes and scathing electric guitar flourishes. There are moments where we are reminded of the sound of John Frusciante’s Strat and other parts that recall the work of UNKLE or DJ Shadow. It’s spellbinding stuff and not a sonic combination you come across very often. It stopped us in our tracks when we first heard it, like a rallying call to arms.
The band – Paul (vocals, guitar), Leong (guitar, vocals) and Dale(bass) – say the song “isn’t about politics – it’s about people” and that much is unequivocally clear. The State Of The Nation is a humanitarian issue and one that is not limited to one political party. We all have a part to play in rebuilding this broken country – but the biggest changes need to come from the top.
Words by Greg Hancock
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