EP of the week!

One day as a lion

There is a saying "It's better to live one day as a lion, than a thousand years as a lamb." I remember reading it a long time ago in a fantasy novel and although the book itself was forgettable, this one line remained etched in my head for years. It can be applied to so many things in life regardless of time, place and opposition. For ex Rage against the Machine front man Zack De la Rocha, bitching about politics and societal breakdown is really nothing new. For me, RATM wasn't something i could identify with growing up. I mean , Singapore isn't exactly the middle east and i will be the first to admit back in 1991, the Gulf war was less important than the dirt on my new Bata Shoes. Fast forward to 2008 and a slightly older more aware me is suddenly approaching the lyrical content of this debut effort with alarming clarity. Music should always touch a nerve, an emotion, stir something. And this 5 song EP certainly bullets it's way deep into your conscience. From the opening track "Wild international" , Zack's opening line shouts his intent " they say that in war that truth be the first casualty.. " you are immediately assaulted by a dirty, sleazy, tight drum beat set against a hypnotizing 7 note that just begs for Zack to preach his message on war. "once again as im that nail in the wrist of their christmas, watch me make thy family a witness" Click the youtube to get a taste



This new collaboration of Zack De la Rocha and ex Mars Volta drummer Jon Theodore is no slouch and definitely not something you want to serenade your valentine with. But from the opening track to the last effort, you will get caught off guard with its musicality and lyrical intent. The 2nd track "Ocean View" is my favourite, i am in love with the haunting chorus " Oceans of tears rise, rise a flame to tear them down, ocean of past crimes now fill our hearts to tear them down" What amazing lyrical depth of empathy and social consciousness!

Ok so , the basics. Yes the songs are noisy and must not be consumed with medication. They aren't pretty, soothing or in any way nice. If you were in a good mood before, trust me, 10 minutes into this EP and you will feel like driving up to the nearest police post and waving your finger at the lonely cop on duty. But i must say, whatever Zack is talking about can be applied to any circumstance in which you feel you need to stand up and fight for, and God knows all of us live in our own imperfect world which isn't all peaches and cream so head down to HMV or buy this online and be prepared to roar and live your one day as a lion!