Ecce Shnak – Jeremy, Utilitarian Sadboy

Ecce Shnak’s Jeremy, Utilitarian Sadboy is a sound labyrinth—an adventurous, kaleidoscopic exploration of avant-garde rock, experimental prog, and funk wrapped in a package as daring as the title. The track, featuring David Roush (vocals, classical guitar, drum set, keyboard), Jeff Lucci (electric guitar, electric bass), and Isabella Komodromos (background vocals), is an extravagant meditation on the multifaceted nature of love, connected with social and philosophical criticism. The funky guitar riffs set the tone for an amusing and exact beat, reminding of Frank Zappa’s rhythmic playfulness. However, the music quickly changes, adding unorthodox time signatures and harmonies that reflect King Crimson’s experimental character. Roush’s guitar work and Komodromos’ ethereal back vocals add neoclassical depth to the aggressive funk-rock core. The interaction of the instruments provides an atmosphere of controlled anarchy, moving between arranged melodies and inconsistent, almost dramatic touches.David Roush’s vocal approach is extremely sardonic, crossing the border between seriousness and comedy. His tone, along with Komodromos’ harmonies, emphasizes the piece’s bizarre atmosphere. The lyrics are jam-packed with cultural and philosophical references, with Jeremy (a likely reference to utilitarian philosopher Jeremy Bentham) acting as a metaphor for both idealism and its eventual limitations. Lines like “Forever seeking ‘highest good for highest number–with calculators!'” criticize utilitarianism’s cold reasoning, yet “No matter how severe my scowl, I’ll always grin underneath” suggests spiritual strength in the face of societal constraints. The song’s structure is as odd as its themes. While the opening funk-rock section draws the listener in with its groove, its changes are rapid but smooth, traveling into neo-classical breaks and back again. Each segment feels like a movement inside a larger suite, requiring careful listening to understand its many layers. Despite its complexity, the track maintains an organic flow, supported by repeated melodic themes and rhythmic patterns. It’s not an easy listen, but its “shameless” complexity is part of what makes it attractive.