The exciting duo’s funk-laden new single paints a bleak message of modern times and the current ruling class in the UK
EtaCas, the creative and expansive synth-pop project of Jefferson Duke and Rob Reng, have never been a pair to shy away from tackling tough themes through their sound, melding hard-hitting narratives and thoughtful lyrics with their shimmering sound in a dizzying cocktail of both style and substance.
Their latest single ‘Heroes Are Hard to Find’ is something of a lament of the current ruling class in the UK, drawing parallels between their failures when it comes to underfunding and marginalising public services and the fate of John Byng, an 18th Century Navy Admiral who was executed by his own country for failing to do his utmost in battle when given inefficient and defective vessels, highlighting the complacency that we’ve grown used to when being consistently failed and let down by those with influence and power. This narrative feels disconcertingly familiar and on the nose, and while the track’s funky melodies and sophisticated, rich layers do a great job of distracting us from it all, it really paints a dark picture of modern times that feels deeply poignant and powerful in its message.
“This may be a story from history, but the Government continues to fail many people in our society.” The duo say of the new single. “The lyrics could easily be written from the viewpoint of someone working for the National Health Service, who face the impossible task of doing more with less (“how can we do more with less”, “a kamikaze mission” and “How can they call it cowardice?”). Don’t give up fighting for what you believe in, speak out against injustice but try not to get the chop!”
