Rock/Review Kingdom Calm - Follow The Leader
Sydney rock band Kingdom Calm have been making waves ever since bursting onto the scene in 2021 with their unique sound and electric live shows. Hailing from Sydney’s inner west, their songs explore everything from gambling addiction to unrequited love to general relativity, yet always remaining grounded in the reality of what it means to be... and not to be... by providing a window into the lives of characters from all walks of life.
Kingdom Calm's "Follow The Leader" is a complex musical journey that explores the subtleties of power relations and social impact. This song is unique not just because of its catchy bass line and intense drum rhythm, but also because of its insightful poetic examination of power and control in the contemporary society.
"Follow The Leader" started out as a straightforward bass melody and drum beat, setting the stage for an engrossing audio story. During rehearsal, the band was exploring various musical genres when they came upon an unexpected combination: a lively reggae beat with lyrics that showed an annoying businessman bragging about his life. The dynamic tension that resulted from this juxtaposition represented the change from order to chaos.
New lyrics centered around the song's main topic, "Follow The Leader," evolved as the song progressed. These lyrics vividly depict a charismatic individual, such as a strongman or cult leader, who preys on the fears and anxieties of the populace by spreading simple doctrines that ignore the intricacies of reality. The song offers a moving remark on the perils of mindless obedience and the attraction of dictatorship through this representation.
Beyond just being a song, "Follow The Leader" is a potent social commentary that asks listeners to consider the sources of authority and influence in their own lives. Kingdom Calm challenges listeners to accept the complexity of truth and personal sovereignty while eschewing the draw of charismatic leaders by promoting reflection and inquiry.
Essentially, "Follow The Leader" is a call to action instead of simply a song—a plea to embrace the power of critical thinking and self-awareness in creating a more just and equal society, and to dismiss the urge to follow brainlessly. Kingdom Calm's song is a tribute to the eternal potential of music to elicit introspection and spur change, thanks to its tuneful beat and thought-provoking lyrics.