
Brunch’s song “Dr. Benway” is about the character of the same name from William S. Burroughs’ influential 1959 novel The Naked Lunch and within the lyrics it’s a critique of the way modern science, and the not so modern version, has been used in warped and twisted ways with consequences perhaps unintended but conducted in such a way that such consequences aren’t considered as much for the sake of discovery in the positive sense as well as that more disruptive. Think Jeff Goldblum’s character Ian Malcolm in Jurassic Park and his commentary on unearned knowledge and not taking the responsibility for the blowback. The song’s rambunctious rhythms and the vocals that are initially more clear and then borderline unhinged reminiscent of Frank Black is a perfect parallel to the themes of the song. The charade of rationality cloaking the rationalization of the use of scientific methods to create quickly monetizable products or technologies for war or to exploit one’s fellow humans. Brunch just infuse that content with a danceable rhythm paired with wonderfully fractured melodies and a spirited delivery. Listen to “Dr. Benway” recorded live at Robot Dog Studio in Burlington, Vermont on Spotify and follow the band at the links provided.

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