Work sucks, I know.
And so do Strangelight. On the heels of their new album, Material Conditions, the Bay Area post-hardcore quartet have released a video that invites us to live vicariously through a corporate team member who can no longer take the feel-gooderies of their job and revolts.
This idea, brought to life by director Eric Stafford, likely resonates with plenty of people, but if not then singer/guitarist Nat Coghlan has a little rant to get you in the mood:
Like most of the album, this song was conceived during 2020’s covid lockdown. My very well-meaning manager began a team meeting asking us to share what we were grateful for, and it just totally backfired with me. At that moment, sitting on Zoom in a one-room apartment, not sure if I should wash my groceries or not, I did not feel particularly grateful.
Even on the best non-pandemic day, I despise the corporate creep into one’s personal life. I don’t want a cereal bar in the break room, I don’t want an air hockey table, I don’t want mandatory fun, I don’t want to be forced to talk about my hobbies. I want to do my job and then go about the rest of my day, with as much margin between the two as I decide. Songs like Pissed Jeans’ Dream Smotherer, and Hot Snakes’ Paperwork have always resonated with me for that reason.
And while the song began there, it kind of morphed into something else. It became less about performative positivity for the sake of increased productivity at work, and more about this blithe and blind positivity to evidence exclusively to the contrary in everyday life. Counter to what the album presents, I don’t think cynicism is a super useful feeling. But if it helps differentiate shit from Shinola, there’s some utility there. Especially when you’re constantly being sold the former.
Also, this might be the best song on the record. Which has nothing to do with whatever I’m prattling on about and everything to do with how much Ian (Miller, bass), Julia (Lancer, drums), and Tony (Teixeira, guitar) shredded.
Video is below. Pick up the amazing Material Conditions on Strangelight’s Bandcamp.
