There are plenty of bands out there who claim to break down musical barriers. Quite often, this turns out to be little more than posturing, but sometimes one will come along and share something that transcends genre. You’ll hear various influences scattered throughout this current single from Ecce Schnak, not least of all from the mighty Mr. Bungle, but this truly experimental band combines sounds and influences in a way that feels genuinely inspired.
‘Jeremy, Utiliterian Sadboy’ is their first new recording in five years, but they’re making their comeback really count. The track opens with a blast of metallic guitar work, delivered in an angular way that suggests a love of Cardiacs and a couple of underground post-rock bands. The pointed riff is joined by an equally sharp vocal that sounds like it would be more at home on a hardcore track. These elements are drawn together via a fuzzed up garage rock bassline that evokes the anger of the UK’s own Get The Fuck Outta Dodge, and despite sounding really confrontational, it’s actually the track’s pivotal element, providing something of a necessary musical root. Adding to the very structured chaos, you’ll find some neo-operatic vocals that sound like they’ve wandered in from an early Queen recording session, a few pointed piano notes, some chamber pop orchestration and, eventually, a soaring vocal melody that sounds like a mangled take on an old MGM musical.
You’d think that a short track with such a kitchen sink approach to arrangement would feel cluttered, but this recording is as tight as hell. It’s also a brilliantly non-commercial single, guaranteed to make fans of avant garde rock and pop sit up and take note. This is decidedly Mr. Bungle-esque in the most impressive way – perhaps even better than Mike Patton would deliver in 2024. In terms of overdue returns, Ecce Schnak have given their fans a truly fantastic tune, set to amuse, bewilder and impress their audience…probably in equal measure.