Speedy Ortiz, from the artist’s Bandcamp
Here is a recap of some of the notable socially conscious music released in the past month.
Songs/Videos
Red, White, and Blue – Kishi Bashi
In 2019 Bashi released Omoiyari (one of the best protest albums of that year), an exceptional concept album that linked the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II with current-day xenophobia. In 2022 he released the documentary Song Film: Omoiyari, which explores similar themes. This tune is off the soon-to-be-released soundtrack Music from the Song Film: Omoiyari, due out November 17th.
Albums
The Returner – Allison Russell
The multifaceted singer-songwriter, poet, activist, and multi-instrumentalist made the following statement concerning her potent new album:
“My goal with The Returner – sonically, poetically, and spiritually – is a radical reclamation of the present tense, a real time union of body, mind, and soul. This album is a much deeper articulation of rhythm, groove, and syncopation. Groove as it heralds the self back into the body, groove as it celebrates sensual and sexual agency and flowering, groove as an urgent call to action and political activism.
In just a word, it’s funkier. But as is the history of anything funky, it’s never just a party. It is a multiverse of energies that merges the celebration and the battle cry. For while an embrace of the present tense is a celebration, it is equally an unquestioning leap into battle – cultural, political, environmental.”
Protect Your Light – Irreversible Entanglements
The 4th album by the free jazz collective isn’t as confrontational as previous releases, focusing more on self-reflection and the power of love. But it still packs a political wallop with its pointed anti-capitalism and anti-colonial sentiments.
Rabbit Rabbit – Speedy Ortiz
Starting off as a lo-fi home recording project of Sadie Dupuis, it has since evolved into a full band. The group’s 4th album blends a thrusting musical attack with lyrical wit. The tunes contain messages of perseverance, both personal and political.
Hellmode – Jeff Rosenstock
The 5th solo album by the prolific indie punker is the perfect encapsulation of the current state of chaos. Rosenstock says of the album “We’re experiencing all these things at the same time that trigger our senses, and emotions that make us feel terrible. We’re just feeling way too much all at once!”
The King – Anjimile
Similar to his 2020 debut Giver Taker, Anjimile’s sophomore album continues to delve into what it is like to be Black and trans in America.
Umoya (Embracing The Human Spirit) – Vusi Mahlasela
Referred to as the “voice of South Africa”, Mahlasela’s first album since 2009 follows the pattern of past works and speaks out against social injustice.
Empire Electric – No-No Boy
On the latest album by the project of singer-songwriter Julian Saporiti, he skillfully links historical accounts of struggles throughout Asia and its diaspora with his own battles with intergenerational trauma.
Let All Who Will – Chris Pierce
The latest album by the singer-songwriter is a fine showcase for Pierce’s considerable ability as a storyteller. This includes spotlighting past histories and current injustices. This is balanced with an optimism that human compassion will win out in the end.
Also previously interviewed Chris Pierce for the Ongoing History of Protest Music podcast.
Idris Ackamoor & The Pyramids
Celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year, the latest album by the veteran jazz ensemble looks towards the future without forgetting the lessons of the past and the urgency of the present,
Imperium Mortalia – Dismal Aura
It is notable that the Canadian black metal trio claims the unceded territory of the Algonquin nation as their home, not Ottawa. The band’s sophomore album righteously rages against colonizers and greedy overlords who contribute to the destruction of the planet.
Dead Pioneers – Dead Pioneers
The genesis of Dead Pioneers happened when Indigenous artist Gregg Deal and Algiers guitarist Lee Tesche met at an artist residency. What started as a one-off track led to the formation of a full band and a self-titled debut album. Dead Pioneers blends Deal’s incisive social critiques with a blistering musical attack.
Caught in the Web – No Statues
This four-song EP from the Australian post-punk trio includes lead vocalist Ali Mustafa’s reflections on what it is like being Pakistani-Australian and coping with the harmful stereotypes imposed on him.
The God Slayer – Otep
The latest album by the nu-metal project of singer, poet, illustrator, author, and activist Otep Shamaya features a mix of original and covers. The originals include the politically explicit lyrical attack that she is known for. The covers also take on a new context when performed from a feminist perspective.
Check out the ongoing playlist of the notable 2023 protest music featured on this site.