Be careful not to insult American eclectic outfit JUNK – they might just write a superb song about you. It turns out, that is exactly what they did for ‘They Call me Old Man’, the group’s latest effort. After receiving an ageist comment, master bassist Aaron ‘Dubl A’ Seener and Saxophonist Dale ‘Dirty D’ Pearson set out on a quest for revenge – or in less dramatic terms, a musical payback. The result is a fierce record that channels empowerment and personal awareness, a strong stance against ageism. That’s a particularly relevant stance, in an industry where the older you are the fewer opportunities you get.
Overall, ‘They Call me Old Man’ exudes a decisive classic hip-hop vibe, enhanced by the sapient saxophone parts and a groovy bassline. We also get tongue-in-cheek rap, a new feature in what’s otherwise an instrumental project. JUNK really hits the mark on this one, showcasing how they can also build songs, not only compositions. The keen reader will remember them for virtuoso pieces such as ‘Chill Pill’ – it’s good to see them provide more relatable material.
At a time when ‘age is just a number’ is often used to brush off the realities of growing older, JUNK is a reminder to take age seriously. Despite what one’s birth certificate may say, life experiences can never be reduced to a number. As the duo fiercely declare: “Don’t judge a book by its cover”.
Recommended! Discover ‘They Call me Old Man’ on Spotify:
