BEST NEW INDIE: MISSIO - RAD DRUGZ

by J. Simpson
1/9/19

Austin's Missio redefine what it means to catch a buzz on their new single "Rad Drugz!"

Today's rock 'n roll musicians are in a tight spot. On one hand, rock 'n roll is synonymous with rebellion, irresponsibility, and reckless abandon. It's the "Devil's Music," forever tied to sex & drugs (they're often listed in the same sentence.) On the other hand, there's never been less separation between art and artist. If anyone's done anything vaguely questionable, in a truly eye-spinning array of different areas, they may be called out and cast down.

So while we expect our rock 'n roll gurus to still be sinners to be legit, we also expect them to be saints. Musicians are seen as role models, even while engaging in every self-destructive pursuit under the sun.

Austin, TX electro-rock duo take this duality to task on "Rad Drugz," illustrating the reality of living under the shadow of self-destruction. They're not afraid to squint into the squalid corners, talking about a relentless merry-go-round of one-night-stands and rolling blackouts, featuring a Russian novel's worth of damaged characters. If Father John Misty were to write an infectious electro song about Gummo's Xenia, Ohio, it might sound a bit like "Rad Drugz."

 

MISSIO - RAD DRUGZ

To illustrate their concept, Missio turned to their social media accounts, namely Twitter and Instagram, to explore the idea of what "drugs" are, exactly. According to Missio, "drugs" can be anything that helps you escape, relax, unwind, altering or elevating your consciousness. They put it rather eloquently in a Tweet on January 5: "The goal of this song is not to alienate, but to create conversation. I’m tired of this fucking stupid ass entitled American mindset of “sweeping struggles under the rug.” There is no relief in secrecy. Be encouraged tonight that you’re not alone in your struggles."

Missio are calling for a more responsible, less destructive form of altered consciousness. They remind us that you can get as high on wheat grass and running as on a 3-day bender, without the hangover. We Are: The Guard are down for it. Hedonism without guilt, sounds like a wonderful New Year's resolution.

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J. Simpson occupies the intersection between criticism, creativity, and academia. Based out of Portland, Or., he is the author of Forestpunk, an online journal/brand studying the traces of horror, supernatural, and the occult through music, fashion and culture. He plays in the dreamfolk band Meta-Pinnacle with his partner Lily H. Valentine, with whom he also co-founded Bitstar Productions, a visual arts collective focused on elevating Pop Culture to High Art.