Album Review: CovAID2020 – Desolate Days

Down With The Sickness

Covid -19 or Coronavirus has the world in its terrifying grip. People are dying at an alarming rate, consequently we have all been told to stay indoors, keep washing our hands and keep at least two metres apart from each other if we do need to venture out. It is a trying time for everyone, key workers have been identified and these people are keeping the country moving while putting their own lives at risk under these extremely challenging circumstances.  

Communities have united to help each other during this difficult time, and one such project is Covaid 2020, a collaboration of musicians, led by my friend Peter Wolfe of Copperworm who have released a single ‘Desolate Days’  to help raise funds for those impacted by this deadly disease. 

A hefty chunk of bleakness mirrors the horror we are facing, with HRH( His Royal Huskiness) Peter ( Copperworm)  on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, you know you have tuned into the correct station. The song is quite chilling, the words are insightful and unnerving, and as for the high drama rifferama at 2.15, well I need a lie down in a dark room with my thoughts. The utter despair of ‘don’t wanna die alone, fearing the great unknown’ is quite heady and disturbing. Unfortunately, it is also true as many have died without family/friends being near. The industrial feel of ‘state enforced isolation’ gives another layer to the arrangements and there is also room for a spoken word piece. Voices have been added to possibly to showcase the exasperation of wanting to be heard, intuitively placed at certain points, it creates an ambience that is attractive but sets you on edge. This is a well thought out, and well executed track, to include many components and make them work in a partnership is clever, determined and laudable. Finishing with a stark reminder of the death toll, well just gimme some space to breathe – and ‘back the fuck up’.

The other suspects in this line -up are, Joe ( Minus Cube- lead guitar), Nate Ratto( aka NATRAT- drums, bass, production), Alyasa-GK(Rap vocals), OP Neptune Spear ( Spoken Word), Matt(I Am Warface- chorus, lead vocals) and Wyatt Pauley( piano). 

My friends, head over to  https://covaid2020.bandcamp.com   to show your support at this incredibly stressful and important time. Stay safe , stay well out there everyone, and we will meet again soon, in a pit, somewhere. 

Azra Pathan

Covaid2020 – Desolate Days out now.

2 thoughts on “Album Review: CovAID2020 – Desolate Days

  1. Thank you Azra for that incredible review. It was the best group I’ve ever worked with. No arguments. No egos. We just wanted it to have something for everyone and keep it simple. It took three weeks, from concept, to release. Unfreaking heard of considering there were 16 people involved from different time zones and across oceans and continents far and wide. It took a lot of trust, a lot of talent, and a bit of luck, to pull it off. And we did it all for a great cause, and we did it all from home. With no labels, managers, or publicists, telling us what we can and cannot do. I’m really proud of it, if you can’t tell.

    So thank you again Azra,
    Nate Ratto aka NATRAT
    #CovAID2020

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