Copenhagen-based The Great Dictators mine #metoo, myths, misogyny on "Existential Needs" featuring Julie Gro

AP Track Review

The track Existential Needs by Denmark's The Great Dictators is from the onset dramatically alluring and kind of 80's new wave edged. The undulated synth sounds (like carnival mirrors) might just speak to the theme as lead singer Dragut Lugalzagosi takes on the role of a major creepster who woefully thinks he can have his way with women, is their savior because he is, of course, the end all, he is the superior species. If you still don't know what I mean, I don't know... think President Trump (although I doubt that Trump uses the word "existential" or would even know what it means).  Lugalzagosi's barbiturate dripping vocal style brings an artistic sort of proto punkish tone to this stage play. Danish singer Julie Gro lends her talents as Lugalzagosi's character's foil but she holds her own and more. Her last stab at the end of the song is priceless. 

Apart from the #metoo underscore or theme, from a purely melodic and aesthetic nature I like the sounds here a lot. The post punk protest song element just adds icing on the cake. 

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Robb Donker







THE FACTS AS WE KNOW THEM - PRESS NOTES:

The critically acclaimed Copenhagen-based indie rockers The Great Dictators have returned with the brand new single ‘Existential Needs’. The track is punchy yet laid back and delivers a new electronic vibe from the Danish masters of melancholy.

The lyrics revolves around a bitter man who feels wronged because he still doesn’t understand the #metoo movement. He’s not able to cope with women craving equality and times changing.

The track features renowned Danish singer Julie Gro who’s elegantly fed up with him.

A lot of understated humor oozes throughout ‘Existential Needs’ with sentences like “R-E-S-P-E-C-T, but what about me?” - together with at least one Trump reference. Lead singer Dragut Lugalzagosi explains:

“It was a weird experience writing the lyrics trying to get into the role as an angry man opposing the #metoo movement. But I had to make a song on the subject which remains extremely important all around the world. We sincerely hope that we don’t attract #metoo haters who don’t understand the irony in ‘Existential Needs’. Otherwise they’ll get a loving kick in the nuts.”

The Great Dictators will release a new album ‘One Eye Opener’ April 17th via Celebration Records. It will be their first album in over 3 years since ‘Women’ in 2016.