Awakening the Deepest Longings of Humanity through Music.
The alternative rock scene has just been shaken by the electrifying arrival of "Commie Salami Mommie," the latest musical work by Pagan Lust. This band has come to assert themselves strongly in the current music landscape thanks to a collection of 11 songs that reflect their authenticity and creativity. Simultaneously, they effectively evoke feelings of nostalgia through a combination of sounds that implement elements from a diverse range of genres, from classic rock and hard-rock to the rawness of punk rock and metal.
With this premise, Pagan Lust returns to the scene after the release of their debut album "Societal Plagues" in 2021. This time, they present their second studio work, establishing themselves as the perfect soundtrack for modern times where everything seems to revolve around complete chaos and collapse.
In "Commie Salami Mommie," this group of talented musicians, led by Burn Moor on vocals, HardCore on lead guitar, Byron Church on drums and flute, and Rick Brough on bass and harmonica, comes to redefine what Alternative rock means. They present an exquisite amalgamation of musical influences that include various subgenres of rock itself, such as punk rock, metal, punk, jazz, and even blues.
From the majestic mountains of Colorado, these musicians have joined forces to form "Pagan Lust," a band that defies conventions with an interesting social critique through their lyrics while their notes and chords immerse listeners in the most visceral essence of human nature.
"Pagan Lust's music is a call to return to the most primitive within ourselves, to delve into the darkness and extract our deepest longings."
HardCore (Guitarist)
About Pagan Lust:
Pagan Lust is certainly not a conventional band. Formed in the majestic mountains of Colorado, this group of artists brings a wide range of sounds that intertwine in their music to create a unique auditory experience. The powerful vocals of Burn Moor, the guitar prowess of HardCore, the versatility of Byron Church on drums and flute, and Rick Brough's mastery of bass and harmonica combine to form the core of Pagan Lust.
Defining the band's sound is a challenging task, or even categorizing them into a single musical genre it's even more difficult, because if there's one thing that characterizes these guys, it's precisely their unique essence with a strongly marked musical identity. Each member freely expresses their talent through each song, merging energetically charged guitar riffs with blues-inspired vocal melodies. Through their music, Pagan Lust guides us on a musical journey that breaks with conventions and tears apart the seams of what we consider valuable in our society.
Furthermore, Pagan Lust members don't limit themselves to just making music; they also use their conceptual art to explore the complexities of the human condition. Their lyrics and compositions delve into greed, self-indulgence, and hypocrisy while also exploring darker themes such as the struggle against depression. Pagan Lust's music spans a broad spectrum of emotions, from raw sincerity to dark humor, creating a lasting impact on those who have the opportunity to experience their music.
About The Release:
Pagan Lust has unleashed a huge storm with the release of their second studio album, titled "Commie Salami Mommie." After two years of studio inactivity but with a hectic schedule that includes numerous live performances, this new album arrives to demonstrate not only the band's evolution in terms of sound and production level but also their commitment to continue on the path of alternative music. The result is a complete sense of euphoria and catharsis for their listeners and fans.
"Commie Salami Mommie" was recorded at FTM Studios in Lakewood, Colorado, and stands as a testament to Pagan Lust's unyielding creativity. Each track on the album is a deep exploration of the human condition, offering a raw and uncensored view of the current society we live in.
The album addresses themes ranging from greed to self-indulgence and hypocrisy, providing a biting perspective on our weaknesses as human beings. "Commie Salami Mommie" serves as a masterpiece that continues the legacy of their previous release, "Societal Plague," resonating in the depths of the psyche and taking the listener on an unforgettable emotional journey.
However, each track functions as a piece of a larger puzzle that, when assembled, paints a complete musical landscape. Therefore, we recommend listening to each track attentively. Stay with this article, as we will analyze each song in detail to unveil what lies behind each creation. Pagan Lust will undoubtedly challenge you to confront even our own behavior without reservations.
Track-by-Track Analysis
Track 1.- Dispossessed
The album kicks off with an impactful force, setting the stage for what feels like an authentic battlefield. "Dispossessed" emerges as a true anthem, capturing the pure spirit of 80s punk-rock and captivating the listener from the first chords. Both through its lyrics and its raw sound, the song proclaims unrestricted freedom of expression without censorship. It's a perfect piece to appreciate the inherent beauty in destruction and chaos.
The intensity of the sounds presented in this song is simply spectacular. The bass, with its characteristic distortion, adds weight and depth, while the rapid percussion intertwines majestically with the sharp punk-rock guitar riffs, establishing a solid instrumental foundation. This provides enough space for Burn Moor's commanding vocals to take center stage, generating a sense of ecstasy and euphoria that persists from the beginning to the end of this piece. In this way, it creates the perfect auditory landscape to be swept away by the power and rawness of its sound and making "Dispossessed" the perfect kickstarter of this musical journey.
Track 2.- Feeds
"Feeds" immediately stands out with its characteristic flute intro, its slow and spaced rhythm gradually accelerating as the song progresses, contrasting with the powerful guitar solo that divides the song into two parts. This contrast is undeniably captivating.
Its unique structure creates a kind of "sway," oscillating between gentle and powerful sounds. It's a formidable strategy that stands out within the genre, freely showcasing the immense creativity and talent of Pagan Lust as a band.
This song is designed to light a cigarette, get lost into its deep atmosphere, and forget everything existing around you. Interestingly, this feeling remains not only at the beginning but throughout its entire length. The melodic line creates a sense of immersion that drags the listener inward, merging with the deepest sensations. It functions as a kind of 'energy recharge', only to later elevate you up to sky with a masterful guitar solo that shatters everything previously constructed. This results in a cohesive and strong conclusion, leaving an intense sense of anticipation for more, and opening the stage for what's to come.
Track 3.- Public Opinion
"Public Opinion" takes its place as the third track on this incredible album.
Do you remember that yellow DeTomaso Pantera that Elvis used to drive, to which he delivered a bullet impact on the steering wheel in a fit of rage? Well, if during that iconic moment, the radio was turned on, in an imaginative scenario, "Public Opinion" was surely the song playing in that moment.
This song perfectly balances the pure essence of Rock 'n' Roll and Punk Rock together, not only in its sound but also in its attitude. Its rhythm, melody, and technique undoubtedly evoke iconic bands like "Dead Kennedys" or "Black Flag," but with the unique identity that characterizes the skilled musicians of Pagan Lust. The inclusion of the harmonica as a musical device perfectly reflects this phenomenon that makes this band stand out from the crowd.
"Public Opinion" is everything we need in our daily lives, a fair dose of liberation and chaos in perfect balance. From the captivating sound of the electric guitar in the solo accompanying this song, well-executed rhythmic changes, a dominant bass sound, to lyrics full of life's ironies, this song is undoubtedly one that will transcend in history, much like that episode of Elvis that is remembered to this day. "Public Opinion" is a phenomenon that all rock lovers must experience to truly call themselves rock enthusiasts.
Track 4.- Why Marge?
The fourth song of the album begins with a complex guitar melody played in a sort of arpeggio, exuding an intense aura of nostalgia. Alongside it, gentle percussion, accentuated on the kick drum and cross sticks hits, sets the stage for the entrance of the singer's voice. This time, the singer comes in with a warmer tone. "Why Marge" then establishes itself as a kind of 'break' from the intensity experienced in the previous tracks, a necessary respite. However, the song presents a progressive structure, gradually increasing its intensity as it reaches the first verse, which extends for a couple of measures before returning to the beginning. This technique is known as a 'callback,' and while it can be used in different ways, Pagan Lust has undoubtedly made effective use of it as the song skillfully transitions between soft and powerful sections. One notable aspect is the inclusion of the piano, which smoothens the interplay between the different passages of the song.
At this point in the album, and knowing that there are several tracks ahead, it becomes undeniable to ask ourselves: Where has this band been all this time? Why aren't they in the hall of fame yet? If "Why Marge?" had been released in the 90s, it would be an absolute classic by now. It is precisely through these musical contrasts that Pagan Lust establishes its essence throughout each song, and this is particularly noticeable at this point.
The song's calm rhythm with a strong presence in the stereo field creates a kind of "deep ambiance" that sustains the song's structure while directing the listener's attention to the end. This characteristic gives "Why Marge?" an innate solemnity that, in turn, presents an intense narrative.
Through its main theme, the song tells us how we are living but we are not really here, in the present time, instead, we are being possessed and dominated by our creations. This narrative is told in a curious and creative way—from the perspective of an ignored child, evoking intense mixed emotions in the listeners. This immense pain is lived by hundreds of people worldwide, and their cries only echo between the four walls of their own rooms.
Track 5.- Mother
The fifth song of the album carries an absolute hard-rock spirit. Its firm, steady, and powerful rhythm characterizes "Mother," led by drums that instinctively invite you to move your head and feet to the music. In this song, Pagan Lust steps back a bit from complex melodies to craft a catchy melodic line that engraves itself in the listeners' minds from the first listen. The guitar and bass join this line, replicating it from an octave below, adding more weight and significance. This results in a successful combination of musical factors that prove Pagan Lust can navigate with total freedom and skill through the use of various musical resources to express their artistic creativity.
One of the most striking aspects of this song is the duality of feelings evoked by its sound. Its captivating structure and melody manage to take presence in the listener's mind, capturing attention at all times. Its incredible energy merges with an intense sense of emotional pain, creating an auditory wonder that aligns perfectly with the song's narrative.
In "Mother," we are told the story of how sometimes our parents can destroy us, filling our lives with cruelty and lies, something that can often take away our faith and our future. "Mother" is an anthem for all those who have felt resentment towards absent and cruel parents.
Track 6.- Demon Sweat
"Demon Sweat" is the sixth song of this incredible album. In this track, the band takes us on a journey of emotions displayed through instrumental sections and unexpected tempo changes. If there's a song where the instruments shine not only together but also individually, it's undoubtedly this one.
Here is where the bass, percussion, guitar, and vocals stand out for the freedom with which they express themselves throughout its length. The bass executes incredible and complex independent melodies but blends well with the melodic foundation. Meanwhile, the drums dictate a rhythm that constantly varies between sections, connecting them through precise snare rolls, paving the way for both the guitar and vocals to take center stage.
Burn Moor's vocals are nothing short of impressive in this piece, as through flawless performance, they oscillate from low frequencies to impressively high and sustained notes. At the 2:00-minute mark, this is particularly noticeable, where his voice performs a sustained note that opens the way to an impressive guitar solo that comes in right after, proving that this band has come to leave a mark on its listeners.
"Demon Sweat" is much like more than just a good song; it's a masterful composition directed like an orchestra, where each piece is crucial to determining its sound and telling its story. The marked change between sections sometimes makes us feel like we are listening to two songs instead of just one, reinforcing the idea that it is written as an orchestral composition. The first part uses hard rock and metal elements to tell a story about demons that will stalk us everywhere, as those demons are within us and sometimes take physical form, sometimes a sexy physical form. On the other hand, its instrumental sections use the raw sound of punk rock as a base to tell us a story of power, battles, and victories, accompanied by glory and cheers in Valhalla.
Track 7.- Go to Hell
With a rhythm more oriented toward classic metal sound, we encounter the next track of this impressive album, "Go to Hell," the seventh song of "Commie Salami Mommie" and it is loaded with a clear message: "You should go to hell."
This song is perfect to dedicate to your best friend who betrayed you or that girl who cheated on you with your brother. Sometimes you just don't want to deal with so much c****, and you just wish the destiny of certain people were to go to hell. Okay, then this is the perfect track for the occasion. We recommend listening to this masterful piece with discretion because Pagan Lust's sound is so convincing that it's likely that such a destiny will be accomplished sooner or later, as if it were a kind of spell. (Dedicate it at your own risk)
Track 8.- Rites Went Wrong
With a sound predominantly oriented toward a Hardcore Punk essence, "Rites Went Wrong" establishes itself as the eighth track of this album. With a simple yet intense structure, through powerful strumming of a rhythmic guitar that presents itself very well defined, it functions as support for its main melodic structure. However, this is impeccably balanced with arrangements of melodies from a lead guitar, which makes its entrance with an imposing bright and sharp tone.
The melodies drawn by the instruments wonderfully follow the rhythms set by the drums sections, oscillating between very well-implemented rhythmic changes that will definitely compel you to do something wild. Maybe dive into the pogo, or why not? Throw yourself into the crowd at one of their live shows.
This song is a complete feeling of euphoria expressed through notes. It will surely be the soundtrack of the new Tony Hawk's Pro Skater game or the new season of MTV's 'Scarred'.
Track 9.- Picture of a Door
Arriving at track No. 9, we encounter "Picture Of A Door," a captivating rock ballad that reflects both the dynamism and versatility of Pagan Lust as a band. Playing with intersections of soft melodies and powerful, energetic choruses, this song appears at the right moment to add an additional layer of depth and emotionality to the album.
Track 10.- What Stirs Within
The penultimate track of the album unleashes a compelling energy that immediately hooks the listener from the first beats. The guitar riff, imbued with the authentic spirit of hard rock, sets a bold tone that serves as a backdrop for the impactful lyrics of the vocalist. With assertive phrases like "If I'm wrong, don't you tell me I'm wrong" and "If I'm right, don't you tell me I'm right," the singer positions themselves relentlessly, constructing a narrative that challenges expectations.
The vocal structure, repeated throughout the verses, gains fascinating dynamics through small, subtle changes. This tactic not only showcases the band's artistic mastery but also adds layers of complexity to the listening experience. The repetition of the singer's statement, reinforced by clever variations, underscores the narrator's firmness and determination in the unfolding story.
What's most intriguing is the defiant attitude of the singer as a narrator. Their declared disinterest in the opinion of their counterpart suggests an astonishing sense of confidence and decisiveness. This song becomes a perfect anthem for those challenging moments when we face the judgment of others. The band manages to capture not only the essence of hard rock in its most authentic form but also convey a message of strength and self-assertion that resonates deeply with the audience.
Track 11.- Malady
"Malady" serves as the golden conclusion and the perfect closure for this impressive album. This song is truly a magical experience, as it not only captivates the listener with its cinematic sound landscape but also has the ability to evoke mental images. "Malady" feels as if you are in the center of a battle, acting as a turning point between opposing forces.
The song is composed of various sections, which are connected by instrumental stretches capable of generating this magic feeling. For example, reaching the first half of the song (1:31), the use of the toms in the drums, in addition to the flute melody creates an exquisite suspense that sets the stage for what will happen next.
This resource is used again, providing another moment that is undoubtedly memorable. By the time we reach the minute (2:22), the sweet sound of the flute once again takes center stage, and along with the strings and soft voices whispering through the stereo field, it creates that sense of calm before the storm. Just coming out of this section, the band lets all their characteristic energy flow, resulting in a true feeling of ecstasy and complete catharsis, where each instrument unfolds with total freedom and in perfect harmony with the voice, which, with the use of a 'flanger' effect, commands the main melody. In this way, the harmony of sounds creates a perfect closure, especially because this section descends in tempo to generate that sensation of conclusion, leaving the listener completely satisfied but eager to repeat the experience over and over.
"Commie Salami Mommie" by Pagan Lust is an absolute journey through the music of the underground scene, employing all kinds of rhythmic and melodic resources and mixing styles wonderfully. Each song has a new atmosphere, a detail that makes it unique and takes us out of what we expect to hear within the alternative rock genre. Often, as listeners accustomed to certain styles, we learn about them and are even able to predict what is coming, however, Pagan Lust in this album manages to surprise us with each note, making it almost impossible to anticipate what awaits us in each verse. "Commie Salami Mommie" is undoubtedly a gem of alternative rock that we must protect at all costs, reflecting not only the continuity and evolution of the band over time but also that this proves that this is just the beginning of their imminent success.
We invite our community of music enthusiasts and lovers not only to enjoy this incredible album but also to follow Pagan Lust on their social media, where you can stay informed about their news and new releases.
Pagan Lust On-Line
Website: https://www.paganlust.com/
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