Energy Whores – MACH9NE (2024)
Formed about six years ago (give or take), Energy Whores came into being in the closet of a New York City apartment – it was the only place Carrie Schoenfeld’s recording studio could fit. Skip ahead a few years and singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Schoenfeld bands with Italian guitarist Attilio Valenti bringing a provocative, inimitable, undefinable sound to audiences. Focusing on existential issues with a sociopolitical commentary, the US-based duo exposes reality in all its grittiness.
In 2019, Schoenfeld wrote a single titled ‘Energy Whores’ about climate change and the interplay between the environment and “corrupt corporations hell-bent on keeping us dependent on fossil fuels for their own financial gain…” – it is here where the duo aptly found their band name. Schoenfeld explains:
“We are whores to the energy we consume for our phones, computers, infrastructure, internet and national security. The band name came from this song because unfortunately, we are all energy whores.”
Following their well-received 2023 singles ‘Den of Sins’ and ‘The Winter Sky’, Energy Whores saunter into 2024 with ‘MACH9NE’. Similar to previous material, ‘MACH9NE’ seems a soundtrack to a science fiction film tracking the adventures of a protagonist in an artificial world; in fact, that is the concept of the single. Schoenfeld explains:
“Central to the narrative of ‘MACH9NE’ is the character of NRG, a hybrid of human and AI… Through NRG’s story, the song navigates the intricate terrain of humanity’s relationship with technology highlighting the ethical and existential dilemmas arising from the fusion of man and machine… In a world where technology and art intersect, a new musical creation has come to light offering a glimpse into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for society.”
What I find intriguing about ‘MACH9NE’ is how the electronic splices and pulsating beats whirl about with avant-garde confusion but retain an intricate cohesiveness. A collision of underlying harmony in chaotic insanity, Energy Whores blister around you with kaleidoscopic frenzy and comforting introspection; a juxtaposing representation of living in an AI world but trying to retain individuality.
In addition to the single, Energy Whores released an official music video for ‘MACH9NE’. You can view the video below or on their YouTube channel. Please note that this video uses lighting effects that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS STRONGLY ADVISED
Find out more about Energy Whores on their official website, X (formerly Twitter) and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Listen to more electropop singles on The Other Side Reviews Electropop playlist:
