Compared to their first song, ‘Barbra’, from the same EP, the mood of ‘Father and State’ is less chaotic, but certainly not lighter. From the outset, a familiar, post-punk pattern emerges, which makes it, sonically, a cross between the sounds of Fontaines DC and The Strokes. ’Barbra’ explores the curious chaos of life’s encounters through the lens of a messy night out, whereas this track is the life behind that; opening the blinds the next morning and shining a light on the disorder and pain.
Lyrically, ‘Father and State’ is bitter with unsettling, rippling vocals to match. Yet, musically, it’s smoother than the other singles, ultimately making it a fitting metaphor for the way we as a society have glazed over our real problems and left them to fester into generational trauma.
Throughout the track, each question is the equivalent of a slap in the face as the band asks “What’s your father done to you?”, “What’s your mother done for you?”, “What’s your best mate down for you?”, and ultimately pushing you to wonder “What’s the state done for you?”.
Rather than throwing generic feelings of dissent towards the government, the band dissect the rot and translate desperate visions of poverty, neglect, and avoidance into aggravated lyrics that implore anger in the listener. As the song puts it: “Etonian children erasing our children”.
Boxing Club don’t hold back at any point on their new EP, and this scathing, post-punk energy will keep them on the rise.
Kai Palmer
Image: ‘What’s The State Done To You’ Official EP Cover
If you enjoyed reading this article, please consider buying us a coffee. The money from this pot goes towards the ever-increasing yearly costs of running and hosting the site, and our "Writer Of The Month" cash prize.