Leeds collective Fold have never shied away from using their music to engage with the world around them, consistently amplifying humanitarian perspectives and offering critical reflections. Their latest track, 'Resistance, Refusal, Ridicule', sees them continue this mission, but with a focused intensity that feels particularly urgent. This isn't just a protest song; it's a masterclass in musical and linguistic strategy, a grooving blueprint for pushing back against dominant narratives.
Teaming up with political messaging expert Anat Shenker-Osorio, Fold build the track around her incisive vocal delivery. Shenker-Osorio's words are more than just lyrics; they form the very pulse of the resistance, employing the same rhythmic and repetitive techniques often weaponised by those in power to control public discourse. Here, however, the tactic is flipped, repurposed as a tool for empowerment.
The song dives into the very real psychological impact of repeated messaging – the idea that saying something often enough can make it feel undeniably true. Shenker-Osorio articulates this phenomenon with striking clarity, highlighting how phrases like "Government is wasteful" gain traction through sheer repetition. Fold seizes this concept and reorients it, substituting passive acceptance with active refusal, and despair with a potent sense of defiance.
'Resistance, Refusal, Ridicule' crystallises into a powerful rallying cry. Through compelling basslines, sharp breaks, and a clever blend of samples and spoken word, Fold underscore a vital truth: that civil resistance is not merely an option, but a necessity. The track serves as a potent reminder that real change isn't achieved by simply raising your voice, but by persistent, organised action – the collective force capable of exposing and dismantling falsehoods.
This is music demanding your attention. It's designed to be absorbed, internalised, and most importantly, replicated. As Shenker-Osorio powerfully reminds us, "the future isn’t set in stone. It’s up for grabs." Fold provides a compelling soundtrack for that fight. Known for their reputation in the underground British scene and airplay on stations like BBC 6 Music, alongside features in publications like The Guardian and NME, Fold once again demonstrate their ability to blend compelling sonics with crucial social commentary.
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