Itβs been a frightful time in America. No matter how apolitical you felt you were a few years ago, chances are, youβve been tugged into the fight. Itβs been country versus city, nativists against multiculturalists, the wealthy against the poor. Often itβs felt like the government is at war with its own people. Quantum Split, a fiery rock group from New York City, isnβt here to sugarcoat any of that. That isnβt their style. Instead, their debut music video is a vicious kick at a system that only seems to be working for the powerful β and one run by people who arenβt even bothering to disguise their prejudices anymore.
βAmericaβ, a ferocious debut single, is the new bandβs first handshake with the nation. But here in the New York metro, Quantum Split has built a passionate following in a very short time. Their ascent has been driven by their sound: rough, direct and economical, uncompromising, funky when necessary, invariably soulful, and sometimes downright mesmerizing in its intensity. Soleil Laurent is a powerhouse vocalist and charismatic frontwoman, dexterous guitarist Adrian Read skillfully draws from hard rock, anthemic folk, and punk, drummer Anthony Anderson hits the skins with metal intensity, and bassist Ivan Hardy provides the steel framework that allows the songs to soar. Theirs is a project built to move crowds, and just last month, Quantum Split headlined at Irving Plaza β a remarkable achievement for any independent band, let alone one so new and fresh.
Laurentβs lyrics are always forthright. On βAmericaβ, she applies her emotional conviction to our current national crisis. βAmericaβ serves notice that ordinary citizens will not be divided by race or creed β and that true patriotism means standing up to injustice. Director Cortez McKay, along with producer Richard Laurent, have matched this sentiment with a video that reinforces its urgency β a protest in film, a plea for unity, and a challenge to the status quo.
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