In the current music scene, it is very common to encounter critics who have frequently expressed opinions about the decline of rock as a genre. Some daringly proclaim subgenres that dominated the 90s, like grunge, as dead, arguing that their sound follows a repetitive formula, and the lyrics tackle themes that are outdated for our times. However, after experiencing the music of The Space Turtles, we have gained a completely different perspective, proving these critics couldn't be more mistaken.
It seems like our friends from the specialized critic live in a parallel reality. Or they are perhaps too "Plugged"? Maybe they simply haven't had the pleasure of getting to know this incredible band.
The Space Turtles emerge powerfully as an indie grunge phenomenon that has captivated the hearts of their followers and numerous blogs and music press sites worldwide. With the release of their latest single titled "Unplug," the Long Island, NY band dares to delve into a deep and reflective territory about an issue that plagues today's society and the way we relate to each other as humans.
With their authentic sound and lyrics that truly penetrate deep into the listeners' hearts, The Space Turtles, with their highly anticipated new single "Unplug," invite us to reflect on the impact of technology on our lives and how it has gradually replaced our real life. The song, forged from the group's most intense experiences, seeks to disconnect from the virtual reality and reconnect us with the tangible world.
About The Space Turtles:
The Space Turtles is comprised of three talented musicians: Nick, who is in charge of guitar and vocals; Andrew, on bass guitar; and Adam, on the drums. The band was formed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the uncertainty of the world led them to align their passion for music and their restlessness about the future into a powerful union that would lead them to create this band.
Currently, The Space Turtles boast a discography comprising a six-song EP titled "Tough Call" and their debut single "Walking." Both have garnered a highly positive reception from their expanding fan base, who truly embrace their authentic sound—a fusion of various rock subgenres—alongside their profound lyricism, which delves into a myriad of themes with remarkable depth.
With the release of "Unplug," they present yet another extraordinary addition to their musical repertoire, further demonstrating their skill as songwriters in addressing contemporary issues with a sound that is genuinely distinctive, setting them apart from the mainstream music scene.
About the Release:
"Unplug" is the new single by The Space Turtles, released on July 8, 2023, in collaboration with “Verse One Distribution”. The song emerges as a reflection on how the misuse and abuse of technology have led us to live in a virtual reality, completely disconnecting us from our true essence. Through an introspective narrative that questions our dependence on technology and its consequences on humanity, "Unplug" stands as a powerful declaration of rebellion, inviting its audience to become aware of their own existence and break free from this dependent relationship, where technology takes control of our lives. It urges us to find a balance between the virtual and the real world.
In-Depth Analysis:
"Unplug" begins with the captivating sound of a powerful electric bass in the hands of Andrew. Through his 'Slap' technique, he percussively marks the first notes of the song setting the stage for what's to come. The percussion complements this with its incorporation of unexpected, offbeat arrangements made by Adam, the drummer, who energetically uses the toms. This dynamic formula blend unquestionably succeeds in immediately capturing the listeners' attention from the very beginning.
As we enter the first verse, Nick's powerful voice joins in, with a distinctive vocal tone that carries a grunge-like vocal distortion, evoking the nostalgic essence of the 90s. However, the sonic landscape is completed with the entrance of the electric guitar, which comes in first with contrasting arrangements against the bassline, leading up to the first chorus. The guitar's exquisite distortion, with an overdrive-like sound, expands the sound with its strumming, creating a journey throughout the whole stereo field, particularly highlighting the mid and high frequencies.
The lyrics of "Unplug" present a compelling and thought-provoking narrative right from the beginning. The opening lines, "Take the pill, It can numb away the pain. Prescription to chill, I swear it's sane," instantly immerse us into the realm of virtual reality using a powerful metaphor, likening it to a drug that promises to alleviate our real-world concerns.
This allusion to "Take the Pill" undoubtedly evokes memories of the iconic scene from the movie "The Matrix," where the protagonist faces the pivotal choice between "the red pill," which would liberate him from illusions and confront harsh reality, and "the blue pill," referenced in this song, which would keep him in blissful ignorance and the comfort of a simulated existence.
“The Matrix”: ‘Blue or Red Pill’ Scene.
The second verse continues to impress with its intriguing and captivating lyrical composition. With the line, "Plant a chip inside your skull, load you up to digital. Don't need choices anymore," it vividly portrays the complete immersion we experience once we step into the virtual world. The phrase "Don't need choices anymore" powerfully highlights how technology has taken over decision-making in all aspects of our lives. This phenomenon becomes evident in the world of social media, where personalized algorithms curate content based on our consumer profile, showing us only what they want, revealing the alarming loss of autonomy in our thinking, which we normalize nowdays.
As we reach the chorus, the impact is simply striking, because it serves as a “wake-up call“ to break free from the false reality offered by technology. Through the lines, "Living in a VR we are / Living a lie, good God / Zeros and ones, what have we done," the band uses its powerful sound to emphasize the need to experience tangible reality and reconnect with our genuine emotions and experiences. The phrase "I need to UNPLUG" becomes intriguing as it alludes to us being "connected" through a cable to the unreality of technology. At the end of this section the singer's voice prolongs over the chorus, giving the sensation of complete liberation as we pursuit a more authentic and meaningful life.
Moving to the bridge, an interesting sonic landscape unfolds, featuring a variation in chord progression that allows all instruments to shine. The introduction of an electric-sounding synthesizer evokes the feeling of finally pulling the cable and letting the energy flow out of our bodies. This musical resource is simply magnificent, evoking vivid imagery in the listener's mind.
The song culminates masterfully in a ‘breakdown’, where percussion intensifies with a China cymbal accent, and Nicks' guitar elaborates on a striking dissonant melody that creates an aura of tension, providing the perfect ending. Just as freeing ourselves from technology can be akin to breaking an addiction, it may lead to a state of dependency. The use of the dissonance in the instrumentation showcases how facing reality is a necessary yet challenging step, filled with blurry and noisy thoughts and difficulties.
"Unplug" is undoubtedly one of those songs that transcend a simple auditory experience. Its authentic sound and profound lyrics serve as a powerful message, inviting us to reflect and seek the true awakening of human consciousness. The Space Turtles have not only created an incredible song but crafted a true anthem for the new generations, demonstrating that the rock genre, particularly grunge, is more alive than ever before.
The Space Turtles On-Line
Website: https://www.thespaceturtles.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thespaceturtles
Youtube: https://youtu.be/hCJgFqQGtIo