Consider the modern history of political songs and you’ll find that most tend to fall under one or more of these general categories: the sad, the serious, the angry, or the sardonic. With “Watchdog,” however, Atlanta vets Gringo Star shroud their feelings of dread about the future of our country in a haze of rollicking garage rock grooves and psychedelic hooks that maintain an air of something resembling exuberance. Indeed, separated from its subject matter, it’s yet another bouncy and infectious cut from the group that wraps up in a tidy two minutes and forty seconds. But pay closer attention, and the shadows begin to creep closer, revealing the grim reality lying underneath.

“I was reading a lot of A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn when I wrote that one,” says guitarist and vocalist Nick Furgiuele, referencing the famed historian and political scientist’s controversial examination of the exploitative systems that helped erect the foundations of our country. Speaking for myself, it’s easy, given the current social and political climate, to surrender to feelings of darkness and impending doom, so it’s heartening to hear a band breach such serious themes without sacrificing the woozy verve that animates their music. “Watchdog”’s underlying animus may be forbidding, but there is triumph in its resistance, resulting in one of Gringo Star’s most impactful singles yet.

Listen below.

Gringo Star’s fifth studio album, Back to the City, is out Aug. 24 via Nevado Music. Pre-orders are available here.

Gringo Star will perform on Sat., Sep. 8 at the EARL alongside Tedo Stone and Chick Wallace. Doors open at 9 p.m. Admission is $12. 21+ to enter.

More Info

Web: gringostar.net

Bandcamp: gringostar.bandcamp.com

Facebook: @gringostarmusic

Instagram: @gringostarmusic

SoundCloud: @gringostaratl

Twitter: @Gringo_Star_Atl