Without belittling the COVID-19 crisis, it has, at the very least, shed light on some deeply entrenched socio-political norms. The pandemic has provided a new lens through which to observe issues such as environmental destruction and wealth inequality.
For Dr Sure’s Unusual Practice, this backdrop has all but added a potency to their already brazen political commentary. Their new track, Collapse, unapologetically grapples with these issues. Naturally, it’s a delight to premiere it for you today.
Dr Sure’s Unusual Practice have created a borderline prophetic indictment of modern society and politics. Collapse is the second single from their upcoming EP, Remember The Future? Vol. 1.
The brainchild of Melbourne musician and artist, Dougal Shaw, Dr Sure’s Unusual Practice originated as a conduit for Shaw’s more incisive political musings. They then came out swinging with their 2019 debut LP, The West. Their eccentric, left-field brand of futurist post-punk subsequently earned them a spot at No. 2 on the ARIA Independent Album chart.
Since then, DSUP’s wonky, dissonant instrumentals have garnered comparisons to heavyweights such as Tropical Fuck Storm and Total Control. Complimenting this musical adventurousness is a relentless devotion to hard-work; a series of Australian tours leading then to the precipice of their first 2020 release, the EP Remember The Future? Vol. 1, of which Collapse represents the second single.
Indicative of the band’s penchant for absurdity, Collapse revolves around a dance beat caught in an assault of atonal, aggressive guitar riffs. In actuality, this creates the ultimate vehicle for lyrical assertions of political frustration. Thanks to the ridiculous, tongue-in-cheek nature of the instrumental, Shaw’s observations completely shed any sense of pretentious contrivance, and only gain in potency.
A theatrical baritone vocal drives the chorus as Shaw pits climate and capitalism against each-other. In the current context, with COVID-19 wreaking havoc on social and political systems, the timing of Collapse’s release feels borderline prophetic. Capitalist institutions have hesitated in response to the pandemic, purely out of fear for financial repercussions. Meanwhile, enforced quarantine and subsequent lack of consumption has seen the natural environment exhibit small signs of recovery.
Dr Sure’s Unusual Practice have previously been earmarked as one of Melbourne’s most important products. Given their innate ability to synthesise dense political ideas in a truly engaging style, this label could (and probably should) extend to greater heights.
If you’re joining us for our Pyjama Jam this Friday, April 17, then you’ll be lucky enough to catch a live-streamed performance of Dr Sure’s Unusual Practice right from the comfort of your own home.
In the meantime, listen to Collapse above, and pre-order a copy of Dr Sure’s upcoming EP Remember The Future? Vol 1 here.
