In the heart of the eclectic musical landscape of the United States, emerges a band that defies conventions and embraces diversity – Pagan Lust. Formed amidst the majestic mountains of Grand County, Colorado, the quartet comprises Burn Moor on vocals, Rick Brough on bass guitar and harmonica, Mister HardCore as the lead guitarist and songwriter, and Byron Church handling drums, flute, and vocals. Hailing from the varied locales of NYC, Oklahoma, and New Hampshire, their convergence in the mountainous terrain marked the genesis of Pagan Lust.
Each member brings a unique musical taste to the table, contributing to the band’s distinctive sound that seamlessly blends classical, punk, blues, metal, and funk. This musical diversity forms the very essence of Pagan Lust, setting them apart in a realm where boundaries are meant to be transcended. From headlining the Halloween festival in Winter Park, CO, to captivating audiences across the pond with live interviews in the UK, Pagan Lust has been on a journey of exploration and self-discovery, channeling their collective influences into a compelling musical narrative.
Enter the realm of sonic exploration as Pagan Lust beckons you and I into their latest album masterpiece – “Commie Salami Mommie,” released on June 23rd, 2023. Now, picture yourself standing at the crossroads of classical elegance, punk rebellion, blues authenticity, metal intensity, and funk groove. Now, imagine these elements seamlessly intertwining, creating a sonic whirlwind that is both powerful and evocative. This is the essence of “Commie Salami Mommie,” a call to return to the primal within, a journey into the darkness to extract our deepest longings.
Commie Salami Mommie Album Track List:
Dispossessed:
I plunged headfirst into the sonic whirlwind that is “Dispossessed,” the opening track of Pagan Lust’s album “Commie Salami Mommie.” From the very start, the explosive realm of sound enveloped me, setting a relentless pace with pounding drums taking center stage. The assertive and dynamic vocals seamlessly intertwined with energetic drumming, forming a powerful vocal-percussion synergy. The unmistakable presence of the bass and lead guitar added layers of depth to the frenetic dance of energy that characterized the song. This sonic wave hit me like a force demanding attention, serving as a potent introduction not only to the track itself but also to the entire album. “Dispossessed” showcased Pagan Lust’s mastery in harnessing raw energy and translating it into an electrifying musical journey that refused to release its grip on my senses.
In the hauntingly evocative world of “Dispossessed,” Pagan Lust delves into a profound sense of alienation and displacement, encapsulated in the poignant line, “You’re the dispossessed.” The emotional landscape of being disconnected and estranged unfolds, capturing the essence of feeling adrift and untethered. The repetition of this line acts as an amplifier, emphasizing the core theme of exclusion. The emotive vocals, coupled with the band’s powerful instrumentation, create a sonic atmosphere that mirrors the emotional weight of the lyrics. “Dispossessed” automatically transforms into a sonic journey into the depths of existential longing. Pagan Lust masterfully translates the universal experience of displacement into a haunting and resonant musical narrative, leaving me immersed in the emotional depths of their creation.
What sets this first track apart is Pagan Lust’s exceptional ability to maintain an energetic rhythm and tempo from start to finish without letting up for even a moment. It’s not merely powerful and energetic; it’s a song that held me in a sonic chokehold with its unending energy. The relentless pace and captivating synergy of instruments create a musical experience that goes beyond the auditory, making “Dispossessed” a visceral encounter with the raw essence of Pagan Lust’s artistic prowess.
Why Marge?:
The delicate shift from the explosive energy of the first track to the soothing tones of “Why Marge?” in Pagan Lust’s album “Commie Salami Mommie” reveals the band’s versatile musical prowess. As the fourth song in the album, it introduces a soft tempo and delicate instrumentation, showcasing the band’s ability to navigate diverse musical landscapes. The enthralling dance of guitar strings and the soulful drum rhythm, accompanied by light shaky percussion, creates a paradisiacal soundscape. The male vocals, sweet and soul-stirring, convey deep and profound lyrics. From the 1:04 timestamp, a gradual buildup in intensity unfolds, culminating in a beautiful and soft revelation at 1:14, using the vibrant sound of the electric guitar as the passage for this sonic journey. The song transitions between sweet and soft tempos, undergoing dynamic shifts in intensity and rhythm, creating a soothing pattern that makes “Why Marge?” both soft, beautiful, and profoundly effective.
In the introspective and disillusioned “Why Marge?” by Pagan Lust, the essence revolves around themes of unrequited love, hard work met with rejection, and a critical examination of superficiality. The lyrics unfold a poignant narrative of observing from a distance, dreaming of a love that remains elusive despite earnest efforts. Lines such as “I worked real hard to gain your love, but now it’s clear you won’t consider me” convey the disappointment of unreciprocated affection. The stark realization of the facade presented by the person of interest is encapsulated in “You portray yourself as heavenly, but you’re just another fool getting yourself up.” The questioning refrain “Why Marge?” echoes the puzzlement and frustration, illustrating the singer’s grappling with the indifference towards their earnest endeavors. “Why Marge?” delves into the complexities of love, self-discovery, and the disillusionment that arises when genuine efforts are met with insincerity.
The standout moment of “Why Marge?” occurs between the 3:55 and 5:14 timestamp, revealing a peak in the instrumentation’s depth and intensity. The energetic drumming, intense bass guitar lines, mind-blowing lead guitar riffs, and the subtle introduction of the harmonica converge into a symphony of elements, making this segment a true gem. It serves as the perfect ending for a perfectly crafted song, adding an extra layer of depth and emotion to an already poignant musical narrative.
Rites Went Wrong:
In the dynamically magnetic soundscape of Pagan Lust’s album “Commie Salami Mommie,” the eighth track, “Rites Went Wrong,” beckons me into a mystical realm from its very first note. Opening with sustained ethereal sounds, the song creates an otherworldly atmosphere that immediately captivates the senses. The vibrant hum of the electric guitar emerges with a commanding prowess, accompanied by energetic drumming that propels the composition forward. Deep bass undertones add an extra layer of intensity, weaving a rich sonic tapestry. Throughout the track, the electric guitar remains the luminary force, its notes crafting a spellbinding narrative. The song’s composition takes dynamic turns, with the instrumentation and tempo accelerating at various intervals, intensifying the already fervent energy. “Rites Went Wrong” stands as a testament to Pagan Lust’s remarkable ability to blend ethereal atmospheres with pulsating instrumentation, creating a sonic spell that bewitches me from start to finish.
In the hauntingly evocative “Rites Went Wrong” by Pagan Lust, the thematic essence delves into the aftermath of misguided rituals and self-deception. The repetition of the poignant line “Rites went wrong” becomes a solemn refrain, encapsulating the realization of missteps in ceremonial endeavors. The lyrics caution against deluding oneself into a false sense of strength, hinting at vulnerability beneath a facade. “Don’t try to deceive yourself that you’re really all that strong” serves as a stark admonition, emphasizing the fragility of illusions. The revelation that “people had you all along” suggests the presence of external influences or a lack of autonomy in the face of societal expectations. Pagan Lust’s “Rites Went Wrong” unfolds a narrative of introspection, acknowledging the consequences of misplaced faith and the unraveling of self-assurance when confronted with the truth.
The standout moment in this enchanting journey occurs between the 2:04 and 2:34 timestamp, where mind-boggling guitar riffs unfold, showcasing a perfect blend of beauty and brain-bending complexity. This segment elevates the song to new heights, adding a mesmerizing layer to an already captivating composition. Pagan Lust’s ability to create moments of sheer brilliance within the song’s structure further solidifies “Rites Went Wrong” as a true gem within the album, leaving me in awe of their musical prowess.
Malady:
As I reach the final chapter of the captivating journey within Pagan Lust’s album “Commie Salami Mommie,” I encounter the closing track, “Malady.” This concluding piece invokes multiple emotions with its multifaceted layers of instrumentation and the unveiling of new nuances in every single note. Pagan Lust truly saved the best for last. The song unfolds with steady and sustained celestial notes, featuring the intense depth of a plucked string on the bass guitar and the vocal harmony resembling a galactic mass choir. This soulful start seamlessly intertwines with the energy of the drumbeat and the vibrance of the guitar, introducing a new style to the instrumental composition. The entire ensemble dances beautifully, accompanied by the mature, crisp, and vibrant vocals of the lead singer, conveying the lyrical depths of “Malady.” The song undergoes finessed dynamic changes, adding a beautiful repetitive pattern to the composition. At the 2:21 timestamp, the divine and soul-piercing sounds of the flute grace the composition with divine prowess, while soft background vocals add layers of uniqueness to this already exceptional masterpiece.
In the soul-stirring “Malady” by Pagan Lust, the conceptual portrayal centers around an emotional plea and the weight of a personal affliction. The lines “Please take this sickness from me, this burden is my malady” encapsulate the essence of the song, conveying a poignant cry for relief from an internal struggle. The use of the word “malady” paints a vivid picture of an ailment extending beyond the physical, suggesting a deep-rooted emotional or psychological burden. The plea for release from the affliction implies a desire for healing and liberation from the heavy emotional weight. Pagan Lust skillfully weaves a narrative of vulnerability and the search for solace in “Malady,” creating a poignant musical landscape that resonates with the complexities of personal struggles and the yearning for release.
The distinctive attribute of “Malady” lies in its dynamic instrumentation with different layers of finesse and style. Every element of the instrumentation contributes to an overall masterpiece, and the flute elevates the entire scheme to a whole new level. This song stands as a testament to Pagan Lust’s artistic craftsmanship, leaving a lasting impression as the final note echoes, concluding the symphonic journey of “Commie Salami Mommie” with a poignant and memorable finale.
In “Commie Salami Mommie,” Pagan Lust not only explores various musical genres, from explosive rock to soul-stirring ballads but also delves into profound themes, creating an album that invites introspection and connection. Whether you seek raw energy, emotional depth, or a captivating musical journey, this album offers it all. Indulge your senses, and let Pagan Lust guide you through a sonic experience that is both captivating and unforgettable.
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