The Discarded see through politicians’ transparent Thoughts And Prayers in their provocative new single and animated video — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
Inspired by the heavy toll and senselessness of gun violence across North America, the Orangeville, Ont., power trio and family band’s latest song was written after the 2018 Parkland high school shootings. The song calls out politicians who have chosen not to use their power to keep communities safe and instead offer lip service in the wake of catastrophe.
“Sadly, the relevance of the song has not diminished since that time, nor the use of the platitude,” says singer-guitarist J.P Wasson. Emotions run even higher on Thoughts And Prayers due to the fact that The Discarded features Wasson and his sons — drummer Caden Jax Wasson and bassist Jared Dean Wasson, who began playing and honing their craft at the ages of 13 and 17. “There is a unique family bond between us that transcends into the unspoken communication and creation of our music.”
While the song came together over a couple of weeks, the band’s family dynamic is what drove home the lyrics. The vocals on the track are enhanced with an appearance by singer-songwriter Carmen Toth. Thoughts And Prayers is a complex symmetry of intricate rock melodies, along with a visceral social commentary that pulls no punches:
“The mentally ill with killing tools
You could stop that you spineless fool
You have the means to protect the lambs
Instead you choose the blood on your hands.”
The accompanying animated video introduces audiences to Peter Guindon’s psychedelic art style. The unique audio/visual fusion forms the basis for the band’s upcoming feature film and concept album The Getgoes, due later this year. The album was produced, engineered, and mixed by Juno winner and founder/owner of Green Door Studios, John Critchley (Elliott BROOD, Dan Mangan).
The Discarded have entertained fans across southern Ontario since their formation in 2016. The Discarded build off J.P’s formidable years drumming and singing for bands such as Fifth Column and Snowdogs throughout the ’90s. Spending countless hours tightening their act, The Discarded have released four albums and one EP. Notable performances include opening for The Sonics at Toronto’s Danforth Music Hall and supporting Teenage Head at Hamilton’s This Ain’t Hollywood.
Watch the video for Thoughts And Prayers above, sample more songs from The Discarded below, and find them at their website and Facebook.
