Ecce Shnak - The Internet
NYC-based outfit Ecce Shnak presents their latest single 'The Internet', the third offering from their 'Shadows Grow Fangs' EP, out February 7 via Record Man, Records. Here, the quintet makes a fine mockery of the web from the perspective of a time-travelling poet. “What the fuck is the internet?!” Of course, this might sound a little ‘zany’, but it’s really not. Not at all. It’s intricately constructed, methodically fashioned, and – while undeniably offbeat – as serious and logical as it’s entertaining.
If there’s a fine line between wild-eyed, inspired genius and utter, irrepressible insanity, that’s where you’ll find Ecce Shnak, teetering on a neon tightrope. With Roush as composer, bassist, and one of two singers, he is joined by Bella Komodromos (vocals), Chris Krasnow (guitar), Gannon Ferrell (guitar), and Henry Buchanan-Vaughn (drums).
"The internet unites us as much as it alienates us. It is an avenue of both extreme bigotry and genuine human empathy, transmitted through the wires in the ocean and on the lands. This technology is as ubiquitous as it is fun as it is dangerous. It amplifies every part of human nature exponentially: our banalities, our flaws, and occasionally, even our virtues. It is as boring as it is exhilarating," says David Roush.
"Even the technicians of this digital landscape cannot fully grasp its effect on our lives. In this very perilous moment in human history, the internet could either make things very horrible, or it might help us in some critical ways. It is the ultimate paradox of human creation. Hence the question, “What the fuck is the Internet?” (Cue down beat)"
This single follows the stunning downtempo groove-inducing opus 'Prayer on Love' and the lead track 'Jeremy, Utilitarian Sadboy' about 19th Century English philosopher Jeremy Bentham, combining math-metal, post-rock and choral anthems in just 150 seconds.
Recorded and produced by Jeff Lucci at the Art Farm (NY), their debut EP was mixed by Nicholas Vernhes (Animal Collective, Deerhunter, The Fiery Furnaces, Dirty Projectors, Wild Nothing, The War on Drugs) and mastered by Grammy-winning engineer Greg Calbi (John Lennon, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, Talking Heads, Patti Smith, Tom Petty, Todd Rundgren).
Ecce Shnak subverts notions of style, playfully but reverently embracing multiple forms from across the spectrum, frequently within a single tune, while addressing weighty themes and notable trivia with striking articulacy.
'Shadows Grow Fangs' showcases Roush’s incomparable ingenuity and limitless invention over five songs, running the gamut from slow-burning meditations on love’s indispensability to mockery of the web from the perspective of a time-traveling poet – “What the fuck is the internet?!” Of course, this might sound a little ‘zany’, but it’s really not. Not at all. It’s intricately constructed, methodically fashioned, and – while undeniably offbeat – as serious and logical as it’s entertaining.
Talking with Roush is like meeting a thoughtful stranger with extraordinary knowledge of the weird and arcane, a fascination for society and what led us to where we are, and a noteworthy ability to share stories in an enlightening and empathetic manner. His narrative style is much like listening to an Ecce Shnak song, which frankly makes the band's name perfect. ("Ecce" is Latin for “Behold!”)
'The Internet' is out now, available everywhere from fine music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music and Bandcamp. The ‘Shadows Grow Fans’ EP will be released on February 7.
