Brooklyn’s Big Bliss brings us “A Seat at the Table,” a post-punk gem born from the pandemic era, and it’s a reminder that some of the best art often comes from challenging times. This track showcases their unique sound, one that fans of R.E.M. and Echo & the Bunnymen will find irresistible. It’s a powerful lead-up to their upcoming album, Vital Return, and if this single is anything to go by, the rest of the record promises to be just as captivating.
“A Seat at the Table” kicks off with a pounding rhythm section and distant synths before the guitar and Tim Race’s vocals take center stage, his voice channeling a vibrant ‘80s Michael Stipe energy. The song’s message is just as compelling as its sound. Reflecting on events like Columbine, 9/11, and January 6th, Race captures the collective trauma of our generation, those “where-were-you-when” moments that have shaped our lives. As he puts it, these experiences have left us with “another modicum more generalized mortal fear.” The track’s lyrics serve as a haunting reflection of society’s fractures, making it easy to put this song on repeat as a melodious mirror to our shared struggles.