Dead Billionaires Tackle Capitalist Greed & Neglect with “Curb”
One of 2023’s most anticipated records in Richmond comes out in a few weeks when folk-punk band Dead Billionaires release their new record, Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book. Full of boisterous sounds, infectious melodies, and witty socio-political commentary, it’s a record that captures the essence of their fiery and defiant ethos. Ahead of that album release, the conscientious trio has released a pair of singles, previewing the galvanizing spirit of the record. In particular, “Curb,” the lead single, provides an appealing invitation into the band’s crafty songwriting, which they have paired with a humorous video that relays its message of people over profit.
“Curb” kicks off the band’s new album in a striking manner. The fuzzy, agitated guitar strums give the song an urgent drive, which stays firm as the song moves through various formats while delivering its message. The song’s chorus is classic punk gumption, offering a memorable melody that carries a biting lyrical message. “But we don’t care how many people die\ Just as long as the stocks go up,” frontman Warren Campbell sings as the instruments blast around his voice, providing insight into the genesis of the song. In a statement released with the song, Campbell recalled how the song was written in the early days of 2020 lockdown where millions of people were in financial limbo as places closed and governments stalled. It was a radicalizing moment in American history and one that’s documented with keen awareness in this song.
The video for the song finds the band dropped in a madcap version of corporate exploitation that begins with the golden promise of capitalism and ends with its destructive aftermath. Here, the band’s image is slapped onto product after product, with no regard for safety or integrity, and that oversight begins to wear on the band as they fall victim to the woes of late-stage capitalism. Directed by Ashley Travis, the visuals match the bustling energy of the song, complete with shots of the band traveling down the Belvidere bridge in the back of a pickup truck that Campbell described as “the riskiest thing any of us have done for the sake of art.” At least the risks are low and isolated to the band members for those scenes, as opposed to the greed and gluttony of corporate interest that the band lambasts in the song and video.
You can watch the video for “Curb” below. Pre-orders are available for Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book now through Bandcamp, and make sure to follow Dead Billionaires on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more news and updates!
