Written by Jonathan Jung
NEW EP TACKLES INTENSE FEELINGS OF ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, ANGER AND FEAR
With inevitable frustrations building up over the catastrophic year of 2020, what else would be a better coping mechanism than writing music? The Arson Choir demonstrates virtuoso modulation and chaotic instrumental sounds that shake you to your core. Their mix of metalcore, mathcore, death metal, power-violence, grindcore, pop, rock and jazz makes them a unique act to behold.
Guitarist Marc Motley is one of the main driving forces that construct the distinct anarchic arrangement. The new EP Invisible Monsters tackles a lot of emotions that the world is feeling as well as a lot of personal hardships.
“Invisible Monsters came about because our singer, Phil Penegar, put this thought process of figuring out that things were constantly bothering you on the inside. Personal issues or mental health issues are always there. Repeatedly bugging you and not everyone gets the chance to see it,” Motley explains. “A lot of that comes through the tone and emotion in the EP. There’s some anxiety, depression, genuine anger, and fear. I hope our feelings come through with the art, music, lyrics, and the whole general feel of the record. When something bad in my life happens I play guitar. With the last record, I lost my grandfather, and unfortunately, with this album, I lost my uncle. Loss is a big part of what fuels my writing. I need to get it out and I will not let it consume me.”
No one knows what is going to happen in the future and as this year has shown, anything can happen. Putting in the effort and hard work to succeed as an artist is crucial and Motley offers some insight into how he approaches his work.
“You never know what can happen and I have been keeping this thought process through the entire existence of this band,” he says. “The group can end tomorrow. Regardless of what is going on in the world. There are times where I think this is the last time I play guitar, play with the guys, or even the final show. That dive bar show to 10 people could be the end and when I have this mentality it makes me appreciate everything so much more. I always held that sentiment in my brain that this is the last thing you do. When I apply that to everything, I appreciate it all.”
The Arson Choir is putting out a heartfelt emotional record that is amplified by all the shit going on in the world. Their released singles already point in the direction of systematic chaos that they do so elegantly. Expect anger, expect emotion and expect the unexpected.