Johnny Screwbags – “Neighbors Bleed”

Johnny Screwbags – “Neighbors Bleed” – Single Review

Resistance.

That’s where art and music comes in real handy as they document this experience we call life on Earth.  Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always got time for another Pop song if that’s what comes my way – I’m no more immune to a catchy set of hooks than you are…but sure, I’ll happily admit to being a big fan of songs that stand for something, especially in times where they’re needed most.  Full salute to Mitchel Paulson, aka Johnny Screwbags, aka about a million other names that he’s recorded under that’d take too long to list – he’s seizing the moment and choosing not to stay silent.  We need more people like this dude right now without a doubt.  On “Neighbors Bleed,” he’s speaking truth to power with his full chest, as one always should, in my opinion…he’s verbally kicking ass and directly calling out those that suck.

Whether you want to admit it or not, we’re living in one of the most partisan eras of human history right now, and it is long past time to pick a side.  “Neighbors Bleed” is ultimately metaphorical for ‘people in pain’ – so you can expand this concept out even further if you choose to…you could look at the current issues regarding SNAP benefits in the USA for an example…same principle – the people that need’em – people that you probably KNOW and LOVE, are being denied FOOD and basic necessities.  When the courts determined that the current administration didn’t have the right to withhold the funds to make the program work, the orange fucknut’s first inclination was to CHALLENGE THAT RULING IN COURT.  Read that again, and let it sink it…then ask yourself what in the fuck happened to our shared humanity?  People are bleeding in a whole variety of ways these days…physically, economically, emotionally, etc.

Anyhow.  “Neighbors Bleed” is clearly about the many injustices that are being doled out on the daily – I’d love to say it’s just covering one, but sadly there are as many happening right now as Mitchel Paulson has different artist names to go by.  While I’m sure that there are some that would be fine to overlook a word or two in an effort to bend a song like this to their own agenda or way of thinking, there are many clues within the lyricism that speak directly to the Johnny Screwbags point of view.  He’s taken aim at an inhumane administration that has a callous disregard for what creates a peaceful society, and clearly at this point in time, we know exactly who he’s talking about.  He who will not be named on these pages of ours, I assure you.  Got lots of names for him, yessir…but I ain’t writing the real one down on this big beautiful site of ours, hell no.  Fuck that…he ain’t worth the digital ink.  You can pretend not to know who Johnny is rapping about, but lines that describe him like “an eight year-old narcissist, sad little boy” make it crystal clear to all those out there still capable of cognitive discernment.  That’s not the only line though…Screwbags is playing for keeps and making sure you know who is responsible for the mess that we currently find ourselves in…”you think you’re safe from the troops, ‘cause you’re wearing a red hat instead of the blue,” and “you cheer for a third term after the second” make it pretty damn clear to me who Johnny’s rapping about…and if you can’t see that plain as day, consider yourself amongst the lost.  Most directly, Screwbags takes on the jackboots that have most recently invaded civilian streets, and he is essentially doing his level best to encourage people to make some noise about it before it’s too late.  “Neighbors Bleed” is attitude in action…intention in motion…and what it really looks & sounds like when you’re willing to lead by example.  Like I said, the man gets nothing but praise from me regarding the underlying reasons as to why he felt it was so important to write and release a song like this right now.

As far as the quality of the song is beyond the lyricism, I fully get why JS jumped on this one – that beat is hot as hell, and if you’re going scorched earth anyhow, you want something intense like this to back it all up.  I’m not always the Nu-Metal dude, but there’s a time and place for it, and I don’t think there’s any mistaking its recent resurgence as being mere coincidence.  The people are in fuck-you-mode, as they should be.  What you’ll hear in “Neighbors Bleed” is a symptom of a systemic problem that is raging outta control, and it’s we the people that have to serve in our role as the ultimate check and balance on government power.  Once those rights you cherish are gone, they’re seriously tough to ever get back.  Johnny’s rap is strong, the conviction you wanna hear behind his lyricism is there in his venomous tone of voice…dude means business and stands behind what he’s saying – you can hear it in every syllable.  The mix is on, the production is tight, the performance from Screwbags highlights the sense of urgency that should come with a message like the one you’ll hear in “Neighbors Bleed” – this all works, 100%.

It’s not just a matter of ideology, it’s a matter of fucking DECENCY y’all.  I’ve enjoyed plenty of tracks that are made by people I probably wouldn’t agree with in life, and I’ve heard just as many that are that don’t quite hit the mark…but Screwbags has found the right balance here.  He makes his case clearly and concisely…uses the explosive dynamics in the music to reinforce the importance of what he’s rapping about…I think he’s got something that will really resonate with all of you listening, one way or the other.  It’s hella sad that he’s gotta even write a song like this, but here we are.  The more artists & bands, and everyday folks like you and I that are willing to speak up at the toughest times, the more pressure we can put on the establishment to create the change we so desperately need.  Whether they like it or not, we’re keeping the receipts and documenting the history…and songs like this are crucial in that regard.

“Neighbors Bleed” officially comes out on Friday, November 14^th – until then, stay connected and find out more about Johnny Screwbags by visiting the official website at:  https://johnnyscrewbags.com

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