After a bit of a hiatus, Northeast Ohio post-punk band Bewarewolves has returned with a new single. “Ducking Test” keeps in line with their signature guitar-heavy and drum-driven sound while commenting on the turbulent nature of the era that we’re living in. Behind the compelling beat and fuzzed guitar lines, the lyrics present a bleak assessment of prevailing attitudes and the sorry state of our current political and economic state. 

One of Bewarewolves’ most striking strengths is the flow of their lyrics. They have a way of putting together words that’s satisfying to listen to, and “Ducking Test” is no exception. The clever wordplay combined with casual profanity and colloquialisms makes for a satisfying collision of a down-to-earth outlook with DIY intellect. The instrumentation lends a propulsive energy to the song, but the variety and strength of the vocal melody make it stand out from the fray. The unique and creative imagery also distinguishes the track from any old run-of-the-mill rock song.  

The main themes center around the injustice of our current system and attempts to appease unrest with empty promises. Lines like “Break that brand big plans court thievery” and “Spit it Chappaquiddick/Play the victim while your homie drowns” exemplify a deep cynicism with the ways of the world as it is now. Even the title is a play on ignoring reason. The most telling lyric is the refrain that comes after the breakdown: “Panther locked in a cage, fed a lamb everyday for 300 days” seems to say that, yeah, the system will throw you a bone–or a sacrificial lamb–every once in a while, but only if you’re willing to comply with its inherent iniquity. The push and pull of the loud and soft, the slower and faster add to that sense of tension. The move from peppy strums to distorted power chords is a perfect metaphor for escalating unrest.

Bewarewolves will be coming out with a new track at the end of this month. Find their music on any of your favorite streaming services.