As long as there are despots who pull the levers of war to maintain their power, there will be the peaceful masses that rise up to meet aggression with nonviolent resistance. Throughout history, artists have answered the call with their own tools of the trade in opposition to oppression. In a war against might, the power to write, draw and paint endures as a subversive tactic.
Originally written in 2021, “WAR,” the latest single by American indie pop duo Monroe Moon has conspicuously arrived at the dawn of the latest in a long line of military conflicts, the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, this anti-war song draws on the endless nature of war. Whether it is a cold or hot war, the common thread is the constant threat of another conflict on the horizon.
Lead singer/songwriter Bunny Monroe lends her voice to this electro pop infused, downtempo indie rock tune. Along with her husband, Theo Malkin, the pair have constructed an anti-war anthem for a new generation. Gone is the folksy motif associated with the Vietnam era; which has now been replaced by a spritely, synthesized sound. As music itself has evolved across the decades, so must the delivery system of protest songs. By drawing the passive listener in with a catchy melody, they are able to activate their critical thinking capacity with a subtle, yet thought provoking message.
On this song, Monroe is not a bullhorn blaring activist. It’s her smooth and serene delivery that sells you on her cause. Quite simply, as she explains, “war, it ain’t over.” Whether that conflict is “colder” or “warmer,” she is an even keeled messenger. Perhaps, the sharpest refrain of hers is “they’ve got your mind” in reference to a collective brainwashing by nationalism and militarism.
“Gotta push that boulder,” Monroe proclaims. In context of this tune, war is a never ending exercise in futility. This vicious cycle of senseless violence never has a clear winner, only losers of life, freedom and peace. Again, Monroe is subtle, but very effective in her stance that war is losing battle for all.
As we watch what is unfolding in Ukraine, we must remember that war is not a game. As much as our culture has popularized its use through different mediums, it is the real world and there’s no reset button for those who are being driven from their homeland. “WAR” is an evergreen reminder of the constant state of conflict we find ourselves in. If you’re watching any of the latest war coverage, give “WAR” a listen here or on its release date of March 21. Let it serve as a beacon of hope that, as Monroe put it, we might “find the light of day.”
Written by Travis Boyer
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