I must admit I hadn’t heard of Chicago bred, “intrepid songwriter and lightning-fingered banjoist/guitarist” Al Scorch until a press release for his new music video hit the DS inbox. Dutifully clicking play despite the off-putting press photo that accompanied the announcement, I stumbled on to what I’m sure will be my favorite folk-punk song discovery of the entire year.
“Everybody Out” is a cut from Scorch’s most recent album “Circle Round The Signs” released last May on Bloodshot Records, and I have no idea what is going on in its freakishly bizarre music video but I don’t care. The song is f’ing awesome and I just bought the entire album sight unseen because of it.
Scorch says this about the video:
“Coming from a community of punks, queers, puppeteers, and activists, I’ve never felt totally comfortable in the folk/country/Americana realm. Folks have been really welcoming, though, and while some of the audiences — and other musicians for that matter — might have more traditional views and lifestyles, I’ve met a lot of people who are willing to consider and question and have conversations. As artists, we can’t be afraid to challenge people right now; it’s more important than ever.”
Check out the music video for “Everybody Out” below. When its done I suggest just listening to the song one more time without the video. If you don’t fall in love with it, you’re not a fan of any banjo infused folk-punk.