By Charlie Maybee
Chicago-based singer-songwriter, Sam Reaver, has released his latest single “Sarcastic War,” which croons with pointed social commentary. He seems to hold an apathetic attitude toward those who choose to engage in this kind of bickering, as he chooses to opt out.
But as we head into the chorus, we learn that opting out is not without its consequences, as Reaver notes that the sarcastic war is “one I’ve tried to ignore while they cut me to pieces.” The way the situation is described paints a picture of reading comment sections on social media, where controversial content has been posted; you’re bound to run into harsh criticisms and insults accompanied by the kind of sarcasm that the title hints at.
In the final chorus, Reaver changes up the lyrics as he sings, “It’s a shock to the core like that time you slapped Jesus / because you had to be sure that he’d jump you at recess.” The humor has a sort of swagger to it as the music pulses with bright horns and driving percussion.
Even though he has tried to escape the clutches of this sarcastic war, he finds himself dealing sarcastic comments that are fairly wild in nature themselves. While the song feels contemplative and thoughtful in nature, it becomes clear that this is a war that will not be easily overcome. Diplomacy and sarcasm become disparate ends of the same coin.
“Sarcastic War” is available on major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud as part of the newly released EP Lost in a Symphony. Follow our Alchemical Multigenre Mixdown playlist for more great music featured on the site.
Charlie Maybee is a dancer, musician, educator, and writer based in Charleston, South Carolina who currently teaches with the Dance Program at the College of Charleston. His primary work as an artist is with his performing collective, Polymath Performance Project, through which he makes interdisciplinary performance art that centers tap dance as the primary medium of expression and research. He also currently plays rhythm guitar for the Charleston-based punk band, Anergy, and releases music as a solo artist under the name Nox Eterna.
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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.
