Originally posted on Phoenix New Times – Mitchell Hillman
It was a complete surprise when Bear Ghost dropped a new single this week, so quick on the heels of releasing one of the best local albums of the year. It was even more of a surprise that Mario Yniguez, Dalin Gonzalez, and Matt Storto of Harrison Fjord joined them for guest vocals. Topping the list of surprises is that “Let Us Vote” is an upfront political song that doesn’t pull any punches. Not surprisingly, the new song sounds like it would have fit perfectly on Bear Ghost’s Blasterpiece, musically speaking. It may be less than two minutes long, but it packs a hell of a punch, with a healthy dose of wry commentary on the current political atmosphere. This song takes place in the mind of the political villain, and it’s an interesting vantage to choose for a song. If you weren’t paying attention, this would just be another rousing, danceable indie rock song, but if you want to get inside the song, just check out the lyrics on their Bandcamp page. It explains the tune, and one read of the lyrics will illuminate the impetus behind the song as our villain thinks, “I will leave you ruined. … I’m inevitable / I’ll shove it through your news and lie lie lie.” In short, pay attention, not just to this song, but generally speaking as well. Depending on the outcome of this year’s election, Bear Ghost’s next album could well be full of rallying cries and political anthems. They could even get a concept album out of that.
Listen to the track #letusvote