By Cynthia Gross
On February 11, young D.C. rockers One Way Out released a new music video for “Cruel Procrastinator” from their latest album, The Sun, The Moon, The Truth. The electrifying tour montage is unrelenting in its intensity, assuring audiences that despite what people may say, rock is truly alive and well.
“’Cruel Procrastinator’ attempts to encapsulate the battle between who we are and what we want to become,” explains drummer Geist Topping, who is the song’s lyricist. “When our brains don’t want to work and our bodies fail to labor, how can we grow and take on the challenge of self-motivation.”
“There is a feeling of helplessness when we discover that our weakness comes from within, and there is no one to blame but ourselves for our own apathy. When who we once were feels so distant, how can we either hold on to or rediscover a powerful sense of self,” he adds.
“I want to be free / But my demons won’t let me be / I look at the ground / And I know I’ll be found,” lead vocalist Josh Gaba sings in the opening lines of “Cruel Procrastinator.” The vocals are supported by bold instrumentation driven by electric guitar riffs and thundering drums that keep you hooked until the very last second.
“This song started out as a riff Geist and I were jamming on, with him playing guitar and myself on the drums,” guitarist Jake Schaefer notes. After bringing the idea to the full band, additional elements such as the time signature changes evolved into what became the final track. “This was definitely one of the more memorable songs from the record to write because it was so collaborative,” he added.
In addition to Schaefer, Topping, and Gaba, One Way Out consists of Giulio Iacoviello on bass and Ari Rubenstein on keys. The band’s signature sound features blues-inspired 60s rock fused with progressive elements from metal, hard rock, and jazz. Fans of Led Zeppelin and King Gizzard will identify with One Way Out’s distinct sound, impressive musicianship, and charisma.
The accompanying music video, produced by Carter Louthian, includes footage from One Way Out’s 2021 album release show at Union Stage, as well as behind-the-scene shots from the band’s tour, providing yet another reminder of why One Way Out continues to win over new audiences with their music.
Perhaps the themes explored in “Cruel Procrastinator” could not be more timely. We can attempt to escape from our problems with distractions and projecting our trauma on others, but we can never escape from our inner seleves. Only by committing to the painful work of confronting our own demons will we find a path forward.
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Cynthia Gross is a freelance writer and award-winning spiritual pop artist based in Maryland. With more than a decade of experience as an executive ghostwriter, she understands the power of each individual’s voice to create positive, meaningful change.
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Alchemical Records is a Washington, D.C. based music publication. We cover the Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Richmond, VA metro area music scenes, including band interviews, articles about your favorite musicians, new music and concert dates.
