Balaban and the Bald Illegals deliver a blistering rock anthem with ‘P.T.A.B’!
The British Alt-rock, post-punk, grunge four-piece Balaban and the Bald Illegals make a commanding return to form with brutal commentary on the globally prevailing numbness and indifference that they term “Post Truth Apocalyptic Blues” or P.T.A.B.
It refers to the infectious, gloomy sense of nihilism and hopelessness spreading across the world right now as we dive deeper down the rabbit hole. It seems that the more we’re uncovering about vile, evil ways of the world, the more numb we become to feeling like we’re actually doing anything about it.
That’s the compelling, restless chord that vocalist and bandleader Roscoe Balaban pulls at with this latest release. That gnarly riff intro is straight out of something you’d expect to hear from Nirvana or SOAD! Roscoe’s whimsical, urgent vocals wax just cryptically enough, ‘The line between lies and truth is unglued/ the ugly truth has begun to protrude”
Pulsating grungy riff rhythms, crashing drums and an ominous tone make for a very engaging listen. Balaban’s vocal tone balances biting sarcasm, incredulity with concern in fantastically theatrical fashion. The hypnotic bridge arrangement draws you in immersively and intensely.
‘Tell me how does it feel to have the Post Truth Apocalyptic Blues?’ asks the vocals in sublimely contrasting tones. It’s punchy, catchy and downright energizing like any good rebellion chant. And that’s what this track is at its core. A stirring wake-up call. To arrest the further slide in P.T.A.B.
Recorded live at Stourbridge Studios and produced by Christopher Wilson, the track boasts of a gritty, raw energy that aligns with the apocolyptic emotional core. Towards its conclusion, all hell breaks loose as we’re treated to a hypnotic rock breakdown with pulsating solos, gripping riffs and despairing vocals. It really leaves you wondering about the end of the world not being a flash in the pan but a slow-burning, torturous slide into destruction if we continue on this cursed path.
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