The first minute of the second music video by non-essential workers (n.e.w.) gives you the impression that you’re in for a dark synth-pop ride into an unnamed dystopia in the not-too-distant future, not very different to their previous single. In similar fashion to “People”, the lyrics for “FIRE” quickly let you know that the band has more social commentary to make:
We’ll trip the wire now
When the moon comes up tonight
We’ll get to howlin’ now
At the beasts roamin’ the streets tonight
Cause they’re the cowards now
Creeping out of shadows trying to pick a fight
We lit their fires how?
By refusin’ to give up our own rights
The reference is to ongoing social unrest throughout the world and it seems that no major country has been spared, so listeners throughout the world can easily relate to the band’s message. The song doesn’t seem to be making a call to action, rather it is a call for hope and optimism, as dark and troublesome as the times may be.
Instead of riding out the dystopian synth-wave vibe the songs starts out with, however, the listener is given a bit of a surprise, at least in terms of vocal style, as we get to hear the unique voice of featured singer Molus in the song’s chorus. In it, he encourages us not to give up hope and to persevere through these dark times:
Hold on to your Fire
Hold on to the Night
Hold on to the Wire
Hold on till it’s Light
It’s quite a catchy chorus and blends well with the rest of the song, nicely contrasting the lead vocalist’s soft-spoken rap about the issues society is facing with coronavirus in the background, without actually mentioning it. If you’ve been paying attention to current events throughout the world, the references made here are rather clear.
Yeah their hate is injustice,
their mandate to crush us,
coz of the colors among us
is the death knell of progress,
yet they can’t stop our protest,
we stand arm in arm till the first light
The reference is to ongoing social unrest throughout the world and it seems that no major country has been spared, so listeners throughout the world can easily relate to the band’s message. The song doesn’t seem to be making a call to action, rather it is a call for hope and optimism, as dark and troublesome as the times may be. Throughout the song I am reminded of Ulver’s Flowers of Evil album, as it also has a dark, synthy flavor throughout, but Molus’ R&B style takes the song in a different direction, particularly towards the end, as we hear a more forceful rap blended with the smooth crooning of Molus. Here we are reminded again of our collective hardships but also that things will improve:
It’s so hard to take
It’s so hard to fake
It’s so hard we break
Then we’re on our way
It’s so hard this place
No more safe space
It’s so hard to face
Another perfect day
Overall the song is a pretty accurate reflection of where we currently stand as a society. There are a lot of troubling situations taking place and it seems like we’ve been in a very long winter with lockdowns finally being eased and life returning to our cities. There certainly are many things to be hopeful about, despite the abundance of negativity around us. Holding on until it’s light is some welcoming advice as we move forward.
