Today, acclaimed Los Angeles punk rock band Bad Religion premiere a new song from their forthcoming album Age Of Unreason, set for a May 3 release. “Do The Paranoid Style” is a breakneck track in which Bad Religion deliver their signature furious beats and dissenting political views with confidence and wit. Inspired by historian Richard Hofstadter’s 1964 essay “The Paranoid Style in American Politics,” the song compares contemporary right wing conspiracy theorizing to a feverish dance craze. The accompanying video directed by Dan Fusselman depicts mid-century American propaganda film imagery against a backdrop of rock n’ roll dancing. According to guitarist and co-songwriter Brett Gurewitz, “When fringe groups blame shadowy forces for their problems it is, at worst, delusional. But when those holding the levers of power do the same thing, it’s not delusion, it’s a method of delegitimizing the opposition. It’s a tool of authoritarianism.”
Listen to “Do The Paranoid Style” Now:
https://youtu.be/GEbd76i1S6Q
Age Of Unreason is Bad Religion’s 17th studio album and was co-produced by Carlos de la Garza. It is a timely work inspired by today’s polarized political landscape. Society’s step backward has propelled the legendary band decidedly forward, resulting in both a dire warning and a testament to resilience. The overall message: seek truth about the world and oneself.
“The band has always stood for enlightenment values,” co-songwriter and guitarist Brett Gurewitz explains. “Today, these values of truth, freedom, equality, and tolerance are in real danger. This record is our response.”
