Cabbage 'Torture' - Single Review

‘Torture’ is a juxtaposition song, the dark and subject matter doesn’t quite match the light hearted melody its layered over. However, we find out through their social media how this was a conscious decision in their creative process: ‘It’s our attempt at The Beach Boys if we ran out of money before getting the orchestra in’. Which now brings the song into context and gives the listener that “aha” moment. 

 
Cabbage don’t stray too far from their roots in their latest song, as it still encompasses the band’s mantra as well as their punk energy which translates as an anthem of anarchy. Regardless of the cheery melodic tones, the main message stays intact, that being a heavily charged commentary on the political. If anything it’s the catchiness of the song which makes the subject matter more universally digestible, as the genre mashing track allows it to transcend boundaries. 

This is a very clever devise as it masks the poignancy that the song explores in a “blink and you miss it” moment, as you tap your foot along to the beat you don’t realise the ideas which are subsequently opening your eyes: ‘cus I’d rather be crucified than be a disciple who is forced to be blind’ and ‘cus I’d rather cut off my arm than raise it to salute those who initiate the fear’. These deeper elements of political poetry and philosophical thinking seem to penetrate the psyche far deeper; in the form of a more light and airy track, than one which may be considered more riotous. 

I think this track and its refreshing unexpected style says a lot about the band’s ability to experiment, push the boundaries and not be scared to try out new styles, constantly evolving instead of playing it safe. 

There’s a lot to be said for this as many bands can get so caught up in an aesthetic that they’re too scared to think outside the box, and as a band which place themselves firmly outside of that said box, Cabbage are constantly evolving. They even play around with lyricism, known for their poetic justice and radical thought provocation, they show self-awareness as writers within a song: ‘get on the metaphor or just a Ferris wheel’. This parodying of their position brings lighter aspects to the song which alleviate what could be considered a very heavy subject matter. Just because the brutal truth of the human condition is ‘torture’, doesn’t mean this song is.

Written by Phoebe De Angelis