Let’s welcome the Finnish band Transgalactica. Transagalactica is a father and son duo, Tomasz and Filip Bieroń, who create progressive music with classical influences and lyrics that align with Harvard psychologist Steven Pinker’s idea of saving the world. Tomasz encountered Pinker’s books through his employment as a translator. He translated the works of several notable writers into Polish, including those of Emily Brontë. On 28th August, they released a song called “Liberal anthem”. Allow me to talk more about the song to you.
The song opens with a very sick and catchy electric guitar melody, then slows down a bit to a softer tone. When this tone sets in, the song adopts a part of synth sounds, and the fantastic vocal performance is not far behind.
Let’s talk about the theme. When the song starts, we get to know that there is a place without a Church of John Stuart Mill. This Church of John Stuart Mill is supposed to have priests who defend the people’s reason, a punkers to preach on every hill, no chants exalt Adam Smith, a place that profanes reason, profanes freedom, and profanes science. You will notice that all the pillars of society are profaned, so this place has really gone to hell. The lyrics urge the establishment of a “Church of John Stuart Smith” and serve as a reminder that the liberal philosophy is high, lofty, humanistic, pro-human rights, good to all mankind, and conducive to global happiness and welfare. What these people are asking for is the bare minimum that society has to provide.
Production-wise, the song features a strong guitar riff and passages that some early listeners likened to Carillion. Towards the end, the music shifts from minor to major, and the first line, with a tune partially based on Velvet Underground’s All Tomorrow’s Parties, is repeated in a modified form with a hopeful and somewhat grandiose mood.
Now, let’s dissect the song through the artist a little more. If you are curious about the teachings of cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker, look no further; this song is here to broaden your horizon. Transagalactica is a Polish musical duo that draws inspiration from Steven Pinker, a renowned psychologist and linguist, to create music that provokes thought. This explains why the song has so much profundity as it talks about the things that the government (Church of John Stuart Smith) is supposed to provide to its citizens. They describe their music as “meditative” and “persuasive”, with unique arrangements and inspirations that complement the lyrics.
This song isn’t just a song; it is a declaration that liberal ideas are important because they encompass humanistic, pro-human rights, good to all people, and conducive to universal happiness and well-being. A song that is this profound and captivating, even though it seems a little dark. The duo knocked this song out of the park, and I can’t wait to hear more music from them.
Stream “Liberal anthem” on Spotify
Follow Transagalactica here and on their socials; Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
