Last week, Brooklyn post-punk outfit Pamphlets released their incendiary new single “Games.” The group – made up of Jeremy Marquez on guitar and vocals, Ben Griffin on bass, and Daniel Pemberton on drums – evoking a stunning immediacy that heightens that of the genre; their previous single, “Wholesome Organic Convenience,” their first since the release of their EP Flowers for All Occasions, further proved their inspiration from bands like Ought and Gang of Four, flawlessly utilizing complex, acerbic instrumentals and sharp, often cynical vocal delivery while maintaining stunning cohesion. The group explained the inspiration behind “Games:”
“Games is a love/breakup song, but it evolved into a take on rising to the occasion. The protagonist battles with themselves throughout- knowing they will have to “clean their hands” to move on but would rather stick to games and laugh it off.”
Marquez’s vocals breaks through the bright, evocative guitar melody and stoic bassline, relaying a narrative imbued with internal conflict – a push-and-pull between extreme pride and insecurity. “I don’t wanna lose / Even if that means I’ll fall into your ruse,” he says in a series of admissions, “I don’t wanna fall apart.” But these fears aren’t pushed away entirely; rather, there’s a strange sort of humor to be found in the absurd, in what we cannot change. “I don’t wanna fall in love,” he admits; “So I’ll laugh about it.”
“Games” is out now.
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photo courtesy of artist
kid with a vinyl 