Viet Cong "March Of Progress"

There's a lot to unpack with Viet Cong. First off, they are no longer called Viet Cong; they are now called The Preoccupations, coined by long-time collaborator, producer, and solo-artist Chad VanGaalen. The name was changed due to heavy controversy surrounding the band's title, which refers to the group of South Vietnamese guerrilla insurgents who fought against the United States and allies. Shows of theirs began being cancelled and even protested by groups of students, regarding the band's name choice as racist and heartless. So after months of consideration and on going heat they changed it.

The band also has a bit of interesting and dismal history. Viet Cong (Preoccupations) front man Matt Flegel used to be the bassist for the disheveled yet relished underground post-punk act, Women. Women broke up after an on-stage fight among the band members in 2010. Two years later the Women guitarist Christopher Reimer passed away in his sleep.

Flegel eventually decided to round up a new band consisting of ex-Women drummer Mike Wallace, Scott Munro, who played live guitar with Chad VanGaalen, and guitarist Daniel Christiansen. Resulting in Viet Cong...er...The Preoccupations.

I know this seems like a bit much to explain. Especially for just a "one song a day" blog. But given the song that I've chosen, "March of Progress", I feel it is crucial.

Recall everything that's happened with the band: death, controversy, and confrontation. Let's take the first line of the song into consideration, "Lately, there's a world that needs some healing soon, before, the infection can set in." Quite a line of sincerity. And while this song, in my opinion, is about the human contest of getting ahead in life, whether it be on an individual, materialistic, or technological level, it's a good reminder of what we may be missing. A warning that constant concern with keeping up, with anything really, can be a distraction from what we already have.

 "Maybe, you just need someone to keep you warm, with fire, coming from a different sun."

I must warn you, the song is foreshadowed by an almost three minute intro of a strange synth and primal drums. But I would suggest you listen through it all...because when the song changes, harmonizing lyrics begin, and the left-to-right stereo swap of this unreal sitar melody pops boldly in...it'll feel so worth it.

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