Listening to “WAR” by Maro Music, with the rapping from Lex Lu, one thinks of a world where Battle Angel Alita walks the earth teamed up with Molly Millions. The industrial percussion and percussion underpins a talk of going to war with some fool who is choosing to tangle with the deadly duo. But a third of the way through the song a somber tone sets in as Alita and Molly discuss what has happened so far with an abundance of swagger. But the swagger is tempered by questions about the meaning of it all and what it says about the people engaged in such behavior and the world that necessitates such conflict. And the song ends on that note of existential uncertainty. Rather than go out with tough talk if this song were a movie it would be one that takes a sharp turn toward the unexpected the way To Live and Die In L.A. does toward the end and the way the French movie Martyrs turns from a shockingly violent horror film into something commenting on spirituality, the nature of human existence and the limitations of knowledge. Yet it all makes sense in the greater context of the work. It’s just that this song begins with the lyrics seeming to discuss being stoked on going to war as usual only to later have that resolve crumble and question whether that’s a worthwhile pursuit even if you’ve been built for it. The format of hip-hop with industrial production and processed vocals perfectly fits such a complex turn of narrative and makes this song a must listen for fans of Church Fire and MXMS. Listen to “WAR” on Spotify.
Queen City Sounds and Art 
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