It starts off with 'Fixing Machines' which features the lyric, "If there's only one sure thing that I know, some day the world's gonna bow before this two man show." In the vein of 'Theme From Evil Cowards', the idea of the group having a major cultural impact continues. As much as I wish this sentiment were true, it probably won't happen. Mainstream America takes itself way too seriously for a group like Evil Cowards to rise to the top of the charts. In a system built around record companies and media conglomerates who still control what people watch and listen to, this duo doesn't stand a chance of breaking out without conforming and that, my friends is something none of us want. It's a catchy number and it sets up the mood of the record quite nicely. It's followed by 'Dirty Consuela', a tune with a more pop sensible beat and build. It's a great song musically, but the lyrics are about a barely legal girl prostitute. I find it a little creepy, but my biggest complaint is the sax solo in the middle of the song. I've never understood why electronic bands sometimes do this. It's an 80's gimmick and it doesn't work now like it didn't work then. The song would be much more interesting without it. 'System Overload' is next and this tune has some interesting sounds. It includes a pulsing synth line similar to the previous track. If I understand the plot of the tune, it starts with a dude planning on committing suicide. He stops at the last minute when he realizes he can fix his problems not by killing himself, but killing his lover. Lol, a strange but interesting idea. And very thought provoking.
'Moving Through Security' continues with another pulsating synth. There's a lot happening in this song. Lead singer, Tyler Spencer (AKA, Dick Valentine) covers a lot of concepts here and I'm not going to break them all down but one thing I will point out happens in the first verse where he talks about seeing what's in his bag. On social media, he mentions his fans reaching into his bag and buying his merchandise. This tune discusses getting his merch through security. Among other things. It's quite funny. 'Bedford Avenue Wine Distributors' is an amazing cut. It features the repetitive lyric, "Black drug dealers vs. white drug dealers" and that the extent of the song. Absolutely brilliant.
The next track is 'Jerkin' Each Other Around'. The gist of the song is no matter what you've been taught about love and happy endings, it's never that simple. Everyone goes through heart break. But no one ever tells you that's going to happen. 'Optical Day' has a fun beat and is easy to sing along with. This is one of the tracks I tune the volume up on and roll down the windows. I sing this one at the top of my lungs. One of my favorite numbers on the disc. 'Dormitory Girls' lists Gina Gershon as additional vocalist. I don't know if it's actress Gina Gershon but I love her and if it is, I'm in pure heaven. I love this song. The subject matter is a bit ridiculous... I'll never understand songs about young girls. It's a bit repulsive and lecherous, but I do love the music and the lyrics are catchy.
Next up is 'Rich Kids', my absolute favorite track on the disc. And don't ask me why. I find it absolutely hilarious and the music is fantastic! 'Gravy Train' is also exciting and fun to listen to. It uses food as a metaphor for a long term relationship. One that was delicious when it was new but over time has lost its flavor. 'Military Man' has a compelling beat and describes a military man in various ways. Of all the tracks on this album, this one seems the most nonsensical, but it's got such great music, it's easy to overlook the lyrics. 'Lazy As Fuck' is like a slap in the face or the water bucket challenge. It's one of those uncomfortable truths so many people deny and run away from. In this number, Evil Cowards take the idea of failure and people who don't live up to their potential and shine a giant spotlight on it. Maybe it's not the world keeping you down, maybe it's you and the fact you're lazy! Depending on where you stand in life, this song will either seem uncomfortable or honest. Either way, it's a subject I've never seen tackled in music before and I give a huge high five to EC for covering it.
The final track on this record is also the most complicated and strange. It's also one of the most incredible pieces of music I've heard in a long time. The song suggests the seduction of young men into a homosexual life by someone referred to as the Purple Man. It's not the first time Evil Cowards have tackled the subject of gay lifestyles, but it's the first time they've tackled gay men. Their previous foray into the subject revolved around a lesbian couple. However... I see this song a little differently. 'Summer Of The Purple Man'... When I listen to this song, this is what I hear; it's a nostalgic look at the summer these musicians were seduced into loving and discovering music. The year in question is 1984 and the "Purple Man" is Prince. When he burst on the scene, parents had no concept of what was happening. He was a threat because unlike Michael Jackson, he wasn't the family friendly black guy showing up on America's television screens. He was blatantly effeminate, sexually explicit and one of the first commercially successful black artists on the top 40 charts. Older generations didn't know what to make of him at all. The back lash against "Purple Rain" was extreme. And yet, his impact on young people and the desire to make music is legendary. You could literally write a novel on the fears Christian parents had and the things they would blame him for over the years... Their children being gay, young people being sexually active, etc. etc. But like a ruffled Pied Piper, he trounced across stages all over the US and filled his "bag" with young boys and girls; seducing them with his music. It really was a summer of a purple man. There's no mistaking the early 80's drum pattern. The only argument you can make against it is the mention of 1991 being the year it happened. But that was a big year for Prince and he was credited as having a huge comeback during that time with "Diamonds And Pearls". He was still considered the Purple One. I think 1991 is used to throw the listener off track and also keep the song in a safe zone. In 1984, Spencer would've been 13 and the song would've been super creepy with the double entendre.
However you choose to see it, this is a complex song with complex ideas. And that's one of the things Evil Cowards does best. This is an extremely satisfying follow-up to their previous record and all it does is whet the appetite for more. Here's hoping Evil Cowards continue to collaborate and release. I'll be in line to purchase new material. My final words: AN EXCELLENT FOLLOW-UP AND SATISFYING RELEASE! BUY IT IF YOU CAN GET IT. AN AMAZING ADDITION TO ANY COLLECTION.
EVIL COWARDS - MOVING THROUGH SECURITY
01. Fixing Machines
02. Dirty Consuela
03. System Overload
04. Moving Through Security
05. Bedford Avenue Wine Distributors
06. Jerkin' Each Other Around
07. Optical Day
08. Dormitory Girls
09. Rich Kids
10. Gravy Train
11. Military Man
12. Lazy As Fuck
13. Summer Of The Purple Man
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