Sydney-based rockers Accidental President got together as a band under one philosophy; that the world was going to shit. Their hard-rock righteousness is the perfect delivery vehicle for this disgust, and their recent EP Jiggery Pokery is all the proof you should need.
Operating under the knowledge that the end is near, lead singer Isy d’Vious and guitarist Dave Ben Lee hav curated a vicious playlist so we can all go out with a bang. Take it away.
What song would you play as the world fell apart around you? Countdown to the imminent apocalypse with a 10 song selection by Accidental President.
Europe – The Final Countdown
It’s one of those songs that you hear the opening riff on the keys and you immediately turn up the volume. Imagine this blasting through the airwaves as the world begins to fall; “We’re leaving together, but still it’s farewell… “
Plus, who doesn’t love that ’80s hair?
Iron Maiden – The Trooper
One of the most epic tales ever told by one of the best story tellers in the world. Our guitarist Dave and I saw them on their recent tour of Australia and were just blown away. You can’t have the apocalypse without Eddy.
Bon Jovi – Wanted Dead or Alive
I’ll never forget going to the hairdressers when I was about ten and asking them to make by hair like Jon Bon Jovi’s. They cut it in layers and I’ve never looked back.
Was so disappointed when I went to see them in concert and he got the crowd to sing most of this song. Note to singers… DON’T DO THIS!
The Mars Volta – Televators
“Only this manupod
Crescent in shape has escaped”
A fitting song for a world that insists on being its own demise. It was a fellow musician whom I played with in a previous band who introduced me to The Mars Volta, and this track always resonated with me after hearing the story of the Tarsier Monkeys featured in the intro displaying suicidal behaviour when kept in captivity.
System of a Down – B.Y.O.B.
Why don’t presidents fight the war? Why do they always send the poor? Need I say more?
Suicidal Tendencies – You Can’t Bring Me Down
The title says it all. Suicidal Tendencies at their peak with the rage of Muir, the six-string majesty of Rocky George and pure, unbridled, suicidal aggression.
I loved it when Muir asked Rage Against The Machine “why did they sign to Sony then?” haha. From the opening line “What the hell’s going on around here”, it’s the ultimate anti-BS anthem.
The Roots – The Other Side
I first saw The Roots play the Glastonbury dance tent and they blew the place apart. How Jimmy Fallon got them to be his house band I’ll never know. For all their hip hop greatness, The Other Side is a moment of pure brilliance on the immediacy of life.
As Spinal Tap say, “puts it all into too much fuckin’ perspective”.
Pink Floyd – Run Like Hell
I couldn’t spend my last moments without hearing the magical tones of David Gilmour and the lyrical genius of Roger Waters one last time. Their collective body of work has been a soundtrack to modern life, yet with missiles flying overhead which song do I pick?
Running is not an option, but when I hear the opening riff to Run Like Hell, I feel I could take on the world with my guitar.
Alter Bridge – Bleed It Dry
The harmony vocals and duo riff work of Myles Kennedy & Mark Tremonti are the very pinnacle of modern rock. I’ve seen them on their last two tours and they are phenomenal.
Bleed It Dry tells its own sad story of our time, but as a package of brutal riff work, vocal excellence, sheer power, and a truly great guitar solo, this is rock at its best.
The Smiths – Big Mouth Strikes Again
The definitive British indie rock band. So original and unique, it’s difficult to comprehend that The Smiths actually happened. Johnny Marr’s giant influence on modern guitar is impossible to exaggerate and his partnership with Morrissey, of whom nothing more needs to be said, is the stuff of legend.
From the fantastic opening riff to “the flames rose to her Roman nose” chorus line, Big Mouth Strikes Again is a tragedy comedy masterpiece – it could have even been written about the Don and little Kim Jong.
Catch Accidental President live on September 20 at The Bald Faced Stag, Sydney. Details here.
And check out their 2017 EP Jiggery Pokery below:
