Oh, Fear Is Old

Dirty Projectors “Overlord”

David Longstreth has a very particular style with melody, to the point that his work is immediately recognizable no matter who is singing. “Overlord” is one of his best tunes, in large part because he doesn’t get in the way of how pleasing the melody is and opted to subvert it lyrically rather than musically. The lyrics, co-written and sung by Maia Friedman, come from the perspective of someone fully on board with a fascist mindset and is sincerely selling their point of view to someone else. The warm and wholesome tone of the arrangement and vocal harmonies aren’t necessarily at odds with the lyrics, but highlight the way the seeming safety of fascism can feel welcoming. That is, until the mask slips, and it all falls apart.

Buy it from Bandcamp.