New Music: Mutual Shock – Charlatans

Seattle is one of the America cities that has been the target of government crackdowns, so it’s no surprise that its artists now reflect that.

Mutual Shock, the solo project of musician Dan Powers, channels that into a pacy melody and arrangement fuelled by dark wave and post-punk, ominous tones that flicker with the flames of defiance. For all that, it’s not only a political song; it acts as a social commentary, as a lot of great art does, working within its own confines, as well as a piece of the puzzle of living under the spectre of oppression and constant, lurking danger.

Says Powers about Charlatans, “This song has grifters of all kinds (and at all levels of government) in its crosshairs. On social media and in public discourse we’re awash in lies and half-truths from people who profit from our ignorance. Don’t let them win.”

Charlatans can be streamed on Bandcamp and Spotify – as can Punishment Enough, which we covered last year. Catch up with Mutual Shock on Facebook or Instagram for details of that live slot on the 9^th of May with Dark Chisme, and other listening alternatives for Charlatans.