JUNK – Squakin Like A Bird (2023)
From jazz to funk and everything in between and beyond, US-based JUNK is a trio without any labels. Standing out amidst a crowd, the diverse influences of Aaron “Dubl A” Seener (bass), Dale “Dirty D” Pearson (saxophone) and Nik “Anthem” Matthews (guitar and vocals) make listening to JUNK similar to coming across a sonic junkyard with numerous gems to behold. With features on Infomusic, Sinusoidal Music, Less Than 1000 Followers and various other publications and playlists, JUNK is reaching far beyond their North American borders. The latest addition to their discography is the single ‘Squakin Like A Bird’.
Following the well-received ‘They Call Me Old Man’, JUNK once again adopts a hip-hop-driven sound in ‘Squakin Like A Bird’. Yet, while a strong hip-hop style is evident, Pearson’s soulful saxophone adds that soothing jazz-inspired tone. Even more of a genre leap, Matthews’ guitar brings an indie-rock tone, especially as he leads listeners out with light strums of the electric guitar. This incorporation of various instruments in an experimental way showcases the diversity and innovativeness of these artists.
Unafraid of touching on topical issues of society, ‘Squakin Like A Bird’ touches on our extreme use of the internet. In a digital era where we need the internet to pretty much survive, people are exposed to all types of information, misinformation, disinformation and blatant lies. JUNK explains that ‘Squakin Like A Bird’ “…jumps into the ring to attack the internet gossip horde. This song addresses the issue of internet experts that spout conspiracy and doom and think that they are smarter than everyone else on the internet…the world would be a better place if people would stop trying to ‘enlighten’ others on what they ‘know’ from reading internet gossip…”
One aspect of ‘Squakin Like A Bird’ that I find particularly interesting is the incorporation of an actual live bird in the arrangement. JUNK recorded the song of a real bird perched outside the studio window with perfect pitch and timing to the song being played. It’s rather amusing as the bird could represent the gossip-laden Twitter as the lads try to expose the arrogance of internet “experts” spouting headlines in a desperate need to feel important and knowledgeable. Just stop squawking dudes because, as the single suggests, no one really cares what you’re saying.
For more from JUNK, check out their Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
