“Survivalist” is the lead track from Keith Monacchio’s new album, his fifth as a solo artist, Under a Nightlight Sky. It has a lively beat and sounds like something you’d expect to hear at a honky tonk though it’s more rock and roll than country but would fit in either context. As the title suggests it’s a song about one of those people who has way too much faith in their own independence and efficacy as a human being. The kind of preppers who are paranoid about “communists” taking over the USA, of BLM and Antifas [sic] launching widespread criminal violence, critical race theory ruining public schools in which it’s not even taught and the whole host of conspiracy theory fueled, conservative wingnut beliefs that get fools to horde guns, ammunition, food, water and medicine in bunkers under the supremely misguided belief that the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution and a right to bear arms means you can and should have as many guns as possible in case a tyrannical government is in charge when, really, a functioning, robust democracy and a just society with equitable economics would stave off most problems and result in a stronger country. And besides, a tyrannical federal government could just send in supersonic drones to drop more ordinance than any militia group and certainly more than any individual can handle, no Ruby Ridge or Waco style stand-off required. But Monacchio handles this subject with humor and with some concerned affection for someone who might actually be in his life who has gone off the rails with the hope this person can be coaxed back from the ledge. And it’s Monacchio’s hope that gives the song the proper, non-judgmental but not indulgent tone that the subject deserves. It’s a great introduction to an album of introspective songs about the nature of familial relationships between parents, children, one’s role in those situations and where it all intersects with political tribalism and hoping beyond any current signs otherwise of a future in which there isn’t so much conflict and existential crises that push people into strange types of acting out and adopting deviant beliefs under the assumption that holding those ideas dear will protect them from what they think threatens their lives and senses of self. Listen to “Survivalist” on Soundcloud and follow Monacchio at the links below where you can listen to the rest of the album on Bandcamp.
Queen City Sounds and Art 
You must be logged in to post a comment.