PARADIGM SHIFT OUT SEPTEMBER 8 VIA NEXT DOOR RECORDS
WATCH / SHARE “GUILLOTINE DREAMS” HERE
BUY / STREAM “GUILLOTINE DREAMS” HERE
PRE-ORDER PARADIGM SHIFT HERE
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Today, Polaris Music Prize nominated group, Super Duty Tough Work, is announcing their new album, Paradigm Shift, out September 8, 2023 via Next Door Records. A mission statement of sorts, Paradigm Shift is a marker in time, a testament to Super Duty Tough Work’s constantly evolving worldview and assertion of commitment to their art and the traditions from which they’re born.
Despite being only ten tracks, this record can be boiled down to having two distinct sides: party and revolution. On one hand, Paradigm Shift has a heavy dose of the usual witty, provocative, carefree lyricism we’ve come to expect from frontman Brendan Grey, mixed with some catchy hooks and melodic choruses sure to become ear-worms. On the other hand, the underlying themes of anti-imperialism, anti-capitalism, celebrity/idol worship and climate catastrophe can only be made to be so fun, making for an interesting dichotomy as the listener is pushed and pulled in a few very different directions throughout. The content can get pretty heavy, but in the same breath, it’s composed and presented in such a stylish and effortless manner, proving that a spoonful of honey (and a couple zoots) really does help the medicine go down. Cloaked at times in the dusty sample sound of golden era hip hop (p.s., it’s all live), while in other places utilizing a more contemporary approach such as trap hi-hats, House synths and 808 bass pads, this record clearly exemplifies the group’s growth, as we see them cover new ground both thematically and sonically. The heavy content and ear-pleasing soundscapes are so well put together that you don’t always realize that you’re listening to songs often exploring the symptoms and results of what can only be described as settler-colonialism and predatory/late stage capitalism/neoliberal economics, while also calling for the hanging of Elon Musk and redistribution of all stolen wealth hoarded by the billionaire class.
“I mean, it’s hard to summarize what this album is about, because it touches on so many different things,” says Brendan Grey. “Thematically, you could pick any one to explore, depending on what speaks to you. On one track I’m talking about how I’m the best rapper (typical), while in the next I’m calling for complete systems overhaul. Then we’re talking about navigating depression, then Marisolle is talking about stepping in the party, looking fresh and ready to get busy. Then it’s back to straight rapping. It’s all related. I’d say though, generally, it all falls in line with our themes of ‘resistance-based debauchery’ and internationalism. Opposing the homicidal ruling class the planet is forced to endure, while at the same time having fun, celebrating the wins and each other, and indulging in joy when possible. This record really is meant to be a comfort measure for all victims of capitalism. Which is everyone (laughs).”
WATCH / SHARE “GUILLOTINE DREAMS” HERE
BUY / STREAM “GUILLOTINE DREAMS” HERE
Having already released album single, “First Strike” last year, today they’re sharing the another track from the LP, “Guillotine Dreams”, Embellished by razor-sharp cuts from legendary Canadian DJ Skratch Bastid and a slight repurposing of a Rage Against the Machine lyric, “Guillotine Dreams” is a scathing take on settler-colonialism broadly, but also more specifically the settler-colonial project known as ‘Canada’. The lead single also has an unusually personal element in that the main sample around which the song is built is one of Brendan’s grandmother Frances Atwell singing, while accompanied by his great grandmother Beatrice Brown, on the piano. Sampled from 78s that were nearly a century old, this track is deep and personal on a number of levels.
In addition to the dressing down of the Canadian settler-colonial project, ‘Guillotine Dreams’ sees Grey explore the obsession and fetishization of certain narrow aspects of Black culture by media, the rewards given to those who traffic in them and the limits faced by those who don’t. With recurring references to mental illness, Brendan jumps between first person accounts of victim and aggressor, exploring the intersection of imperialism/colonization, oppression, profit and entertainment. Using his signature technique of mixing site-specific references with broader examples, Grey confronts the wealth and success generated for some within so-called Canada (and the world), while detailing the costs and lengths taken to secure those privileges at the expense of the original inhabitants of the land, constantly drawing parallels between local, national and international events of the past and present.
On the video, Grey adds, “dead serious but dripping in sarcasm and dark humour. The video is just another piece of visual art to accompany the music. With this we're just attempting to illustrate the lyrics really. People listen with their eyes, so, we have another opportunity to tell the story here. The video is heavily inspired by early Public Enemy and Rage Against the Machine music videos. The gritty, black and white, news reel and TV clip style has always spoken to me (when done right), so it only made sense to use that approach for this song, since the content lends itself well to that sort of accompanying imagery. Plus we just wanted to set a bunch of money on fire.”
PRE-ORDER PARADIGM SHIFT HERE
MORE ABOUT SUPER DUTY TOUGH WORK
Inspired by the dirty jazz loop sound of 90s east coast hip hop, Super Duty Tough Work are the live incarnation of hip hop culture's quintessential era, appearing as a band (we know, stay with us) but manifesting a sound that’s more akin to something straight out of an MPC or SP-404 sampler. Revered for their methodically curated sets, SDTW mixes laidback rap action and razor-sharp delivery with effortless loops sewn together with surprising transitions, keeping audiences on their feet and salivating in anticipation as to what’s coming next. Simply put: internationalism is the theme, liberation through hedonism is the dream, and satisfaction is guaranteed from the team whose specialty is taking audiences on a journey through a culture where loops are slayed and jewels are the tools of the trade.
After being a live show only act for years, the group released their debut EP Studies in Grey, in September 2019, followed by a cross country tour. Eight months later Studies in Grey received a Polaris Prize nod in the form of a Long List nomination, followed shortly thereafter with a nomination for a Western Canadian Music Award in the category of Best Rap & Hip Hop Artist. The Polaris nod makes SDTW the first Manitoba based hip hop act to be nominated for the prize.
PARADIGM SHIFT TRACKLIST
01 Mission Statement
02 First Strike
03 Guillotine Dreams
04 Grey’s Lament (Grandmotherland)
05 New Sight
06 Quiet Strength
07 Molotov Cocktails At Brunch (A Love Song)
08 Dirty Hands
09 Mood Swings
10 Far Away (Champagne Steam Rooms)