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John L
black midi
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- Album
- Cavalcade
- Released
- 2021
- Genres
- noise rock, art rock, post-punk, math rock
- Length
- 5:14
- Tempo
- 135 BPM
- Label
- Rough Trade
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About this song
Black midi began performing the song while touring in 2019. An official release and music video came out on March 23, 2021, alongside the announcement of their sophomore album Cavalcade. Live recordings appeared earlier, including one on the Bandcamp exclusive album Black Midi Live In The USA and a performance on Marc Riley's BBC Radio 6 show.
What it's about
The song's surreal music video is described as a jet black comedy about what happens to cult leaders when their followers turn on them. The title's letter L is also the Roman numeral for fifty, which suggests John Fifty may be the fiftieth in a line of rulers.
Fun facts
- Written by Matt Kelvin, Morgan Simpson, Camera Picture and Geordie Greep.
- Produced by Marta Salogni.
- Recorded at Pony Studios.