New Jersey-based trio SAWMOON unleash an impactful rock sound on “Madness,” which per the band delves into “the cyclical nature of violence and of history repeating itself.” The title-referencing chorus recounts a sense of madness that impacts society as a whole, where violence and oppression is normalized via governmental actions and the ensuing media coverage. SAWMOON further explain: “The second verse touches on stories I have heard about migrants seeking asylum in the US. People who endured or witnessed horrific tragedies as they traveled North in hopes of something better for their lives.”
A melodic array of guitar layers burst out quickly, invoking a warm ’90s alt-rock nostalgia. Quickly thereafter, a murkier post-punk pulsation takes hold as the intense vocals unveil. “People killing one another, fulfilling prophecies,” they set a grim scene, depicting a society in tumult and driven by “all the hatred that they see, on television screens.” The poignant ruminations on violent history repeating itself, and groups of people who suffer immensely from cruel policies, stirs into the central chorus.
“There’s a madness in the air,” the fervent vocals call out there, escalating cohesively in emotion following the delectably eerie bass-heavy verses. The evolution from introspection immersion into raucous excitement reminds fondly of Matthew Good Band. The declaration of “madness in the air,” resonates with sweltering appeal, as does the “top of the world,” refrain as ardent percussion escalates. “Madness” is a thematically meaningful, riveting rock success from SAWMOON.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
