by BTN!M Staff
If you’re reeling about the state of the world (you know, social politics, the economy, consumer culture…politics), Canadian artists Wrené and Caijo teamed up to serve a delectable industrial fusion single, “Cannibal (The Lost Souls).” With its beautifully grotesque lyrics and visuals in the accompanying music video, “Cannibal” is a gruesome, perfectly timed treat for the state of the first world.
Wrené is an experimental musician, songwriter, music producer, and model. A mix of Sina, Danielle Dax, and Tina Root, Wrené collaborated with indie artist Caijo to create this enmeshment of experimental hip-hop to explore the twisted consumption culture we’re all too willing to ignore and partake in the diabolical feast. “Cannibal” isn’t just about eating one another but revealing the decay in society’s underbelly. Referencing “Cannibal,” Caijo says the track highlights the extremes that result in over-consumption, after which there is nothing left to consume but one another. As we tear at the flesh of our presumed enemies, we slowly divide, isolate, then tear off our fingernails, our flesh, eventually eating our own bodies—bath salts style.
As Wrené sings about scraping us “down to snow/to breathe in the ash,” there’s a sliver of Tina Root-ishness in both her vocal style and presentation. For Wrené, the idea of “Cannibal” reflects her anxieties as an artist, balking at the thought that the system could swallow her creative livelihood at any moment. Much of “Cannibal” is a mirror of what can be found in most North American cities—poverty, drug use, and neglect. People are shuffling about like zombies, motivated by some form of addiction—the direct result of over-consumption. From cellphones to the gutter, “Cannibal” is a mirror of Western Civilization, symbolic of the many guises addiction wears.
Wrené and Caijo are a powerhouse duo as they explore the failed systems of modern society. Perfectly emphasized with chaotic synths, surrealistic soundscapes, and eerie echo-whirring reverb, “Cannibal” reminds us that we are listening to the badlands of a post-apocalyptic landscape—and no one is coming to save us. Searching through the static dust, maybe they’ll find you; perhaps they won’t.
*Cover photo courtesy of Wrené Nova.
* Wrené is also a model, producer, and actress. Keep up with her on instagram.
*Find Caijo on instagram for latest releases, tours, etc.