SINGLE REVIEW: SCOTT SWAIN “SKELETONS”
In the most unexpected corner of nursery rhymes, fairy tales, and children’s songs lies the darkest, most nightmarish story you ever heard. As a result of Scott Swain’s fascination with cinemas and Allan Ahlberg’s Funny Bones, “Skeletons” approach structural abuse and brutality through a cinematic, western sonic impression with a twist of playfulness.
Loosely inspired by Sleepers (1996, USA), the narrative revolves around four boys who sought revenge after years of silence over their traumatic, abusive past in the juvenile correctional institution that forever altered their lives.
“I wanted to discuss the topic of systematic violence and abuse and how it needs to be challenged,” Swain explained, “those who perpetrate it (in whatever manner) need to be held fully accountable. Too many people take actions without reflecting on the potential harm that it might be doing to other people and are happy to brush off any responsibility.”
In the film, the boy destroyed the vendor’s livelihood over a free meal; the abuse and torture guards forced on young boys; Michael convinced Rizzo to fight against the guards over a meaningless ball game which led to brutal abuse and Rizzo’s death; in real life, police brutality, structural racism, abuse of power penetrate the life of the ordinaries, resulted in the individual and collective tragedies.
Taken from Scott Swain’s sophomore EP Isolation set to release in August, “Skeleton” has a similar approach of storytelling in film scores with reoccurring themes and dramatic elements. Inspired by films that left a mark, Isolation is surely something exciting to look forward to.
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