Erotic Secrets of Pompeii refer to themselves as an apocalyptic art rock band, but they are so much more than that and their third single, “Utterly Rudderless” from their debut album Mondo Maleficum (January 25th) proves as much.
The intellectual five-piece of Thomas Hawtin (vocals), Tom Hackwell (guitar/synth), Sean Jones (guitar), Julian Port (bass), and Jake Cheesman (drums) are creating music that rises above the definition of music is and fusing it with art and thought provoking questions of real world antics.
Anything but rudderless, ESOP steers a clear and precise path for “Utterly Rudderless” with staccato drums, ricocheting guitars, thumping bass, and Thomas’ commandeering voice. The song is infectiously groovy. Concealed underneath the groove and vocals are lyrics that will force one to think, question, or merely observe the flesh covered beings within their midst.
Thomas’ says this about the song,
“Lyrically the song is about conspiracy theories offering comfort in a chaotic world, but the real unsettling truth is that nobody truly holds the reins; the world navigates without a rudder. Sounds morbid when broken down like that, but there’s a frantic energy that drives the music that is almost triumphant. The universe may be ambivalent, but we’re alive – so let’s celebrate that!”
The band brilliantly touches on conspiracies such as lizard people to the moon landing, but one lyric rings true for most if not all of us…
’Read the books by dead white men, read’em up…’
Erotic Secrets of Pompeii may have deciphered the foundational fabric of numerous conspiracy theories. If those lyrics don’t perfectly sum up the basis for most conspiracy theories, I don’t know what else could.
With their accompanying music video, the band pays homage to the art of Leigh Bowery, Jader Vision, and Alisa Gorshenina, all who have influenced their artistic narrative.
With their mischievous and playful approach with “Utterly Rudderless”, Erotic Secrets of Pompeii has once again captured the essence of enigmatic storytelling, inviting listeners into a kaleidoscopic world where music and imagination intertwine all in the name of great rock.
Images provided by Erotic Secrets of Pompeii
