Just in time for Super Bowl LIV, enigmatic post-punk band Meat Jelly are debuting an impressive play of their own with the release of “Pass Interference,” the first single off their upcoming LP, Blackouts.
Known for their distinctive bluesy melodies mixed with intricate howls, the mercurial midwesterners change their tune this time around. A heavy, harsh, and explosive sound, “Pass Interference” is packed to the brim with power and raw emotion. Simultaneously symphonic and grungy, this new deliverable from Meat Jelly is more enlightened and acquainted with life’s hardships.
The track is technical, aggressive, and pulse-raising, with rage and passion taking center-stage, much like America’s most popular game. The killer bass lines are so captivating that they’re reminiscent of a duel, and the impassioned shouting gives the track a real arena feel.
As its title suggests, “Pass Interference” narrates the process of someone trying to make a positive change, yet continues to run into obstacles and adversaries that prevent him from reaching his end goal. The obstruction he is met with is thought to be unjust, inhibiting his ability to carve out a sensible path for himself. Despite these threats, our narrator still gives it everything he’s got, even drawing a comparison to superstar Bruce Springsteen. Frantic and and embolden comes the line, “Slow motion replay delirium / Just like The Boss / He was born to run.”
By the last half of the song, he contemplates the possibility of defeat despite trying his best to disarm his opponents. A good analogy for life in general, sometimes success is just out of reach, despite frequent attempts to better oneself. He begins to outwardly doubt himself with, “What the fuck am doing?,” and by this time, the listener is bracing for the inevitable tailspin into a breakdown. The end chant of “pass interference!” is alarming yet symbolic of the turmoil, discord, and disarray often felt within an impossible situation.
Meat Jelly’s engine is tuned to perfection as they prepare to release Blackouts later this spring. “Pass Interference” is consumed with an edginess and ferocity that is difficult to replicate. This is an anthem meant to fuel you with energy, because only the strong-willed persevere.
Get your ears ready for the winding riffs and persistent vigor that is to come from Meat Jelly with the tracklist from their upcoming album Blackouts and a link to stream “Pass Interference” below.
Meat Jelly — Blackouts
- “The Guns and the Gold…”
- “Pass Interference”
- “Harvesting Season”
- “Boneless Mimosas”
- “Reading the Mysterium Xarxes”
- “At Mankar Camoran's Paradise Lounge”
- “Elementary”
- “Vitamins | Patience”
- “...Will Be Buried in the Sand”
