Taking their name from the number of Susans in the line up, Band of Susans released one EP - Blessing and Curse - on Poss's own Trace Elements label before being signed to Mute Records's Blast First imprint for their first album Hope Against Hope. After the release, Rogers, Lyall and Tallman quit to be replaced by Karen Haglof (guitar) and Page Hamilton (guitar). After a second album - Love Agenda - and a Peel Sessions EP the two new members quit (Hamilton to form Helmet) and were replaced by Anne Husick (guitar) and Mark Lonergan (guitar), forming the line up which made three more albums and one EP. On the band's final U.S. and European tours a young Jay Braun filled in for Mark Lonergan. The band's final production was a version of Wire's Ahead for a collection of Wire cover versions called Whore, released in 1996.
Musically, BoS organised their three guitarists into providing an overwhelming wail of feedback and guitar noise layered under more conventional song structures (Poss had worked with guitar enemble composer Rhys Chatham and was a big fan of The Rolling Stones - the latter resulting in covers of Child of the Moon and Paint it Black). Although pretty much unconnected with it, Band of Susans are generally included in the New York No Wave scene that produced Sonic Youth and Glenn Branca.
After the dissolution of the band, Poss and Stenger performed with Bruce Gilbert of Wire as GilbertPossStenger. Poss then concentrated on production and solo work whilst Stenger played live with The Creatures for a period. An open-ended promise to reform under a new name has yet to happen.
Estranged Labor
Band Of Susans Lyrics
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A window-framed indifferent sky
Dead letter box is stuffed with dreams
See the dust they left behind
Watch until the light is gone
A candle left to burn too long
While behind the broken door they sound the battle call
They twist the facts to match the same old tune
Board up the door
One more defection in an obsolete war
Take a long last look before you leave
Behind the barricades they're in a state of siege
They give the rally cry while their enemies and allies drift away
The lyrics of "Estranged Labor" by Band of Susans present a bleak and desolate picture of a safe-house that is not so safe after all. The room reeks of lies, implying that there is deception and falsehood afoot in this supposed refuge. The indifferent sky framed by the window suggests that the world outside is uncaring and unconcerned about the plight of those seeking refuge in the safe-house. The dead letter box stuffed with dreams, with dust left behind, is a poignant reminder of hopes that have been shattered, and aspirations that have been left unfulfilled.
The next few lines of the lyrics suggest that there is a battle or conflict raging outside the broken door of the safe-house. The candle left to burn too long could symbolize the decline or defeat of the people inside the safe-house. The dripping blood from self-inflicted wounds suggests that those inside the safe-house are harming themselves or making poor decisions that are leading to their downfall. The line "They twist the facts to match the same old tune" suggests that propaganda or distorted narratives are being peddled to maintain a certain status quo.
The last few lines of the lyrics talk about the need to leave the safe-house and board up the doors. One more defection in an obsolete war indicates that this battle or conflict is no longer relevant or worth fighting for. The rallying cry given by those inside the barricades falls on deaf ears as enemies and allies drift away, suggesting that the situation is hopeless, and the safe-house is no longer safe.
Line by Line Meaning
A safe-house room that reeks of lies
A place that's supposed to be a shelter is instead filled with deceit and dishonesty.
A window-framed indifferent sky
Even the sky outside is unfeeling and unresponsive to their situation.
Dead letter box is stuffed with dreams
A mailbox meant for communication is neglected and full of unfulfilled aspirations.
See the dust they left behind
Evidence of their presence and activity lingers, but they have moved on.
Watch until the light is gone
Stay vigilant and aware, even as things get increasingly bleak and hopeless.
A candle left to burn too long
Something intended to provide comfort and illumination has instead been left unattended and worsened the situation.
While behind the broken door they sound the battle call
Despite obstacles, they press on and call for action.
Dripping blood from self-inflicted wounds
They are causing themselves harm, possibly through misguided or reckless actions.
They twist the facts to match the same old tune
Instead of acknowledging reality, they contort it to match what they already believe.
Board up the door
They're fortifying themselves against potential danger or invasion.
One more defection in an obsolete war
Another person is abandoning a pointless or outdated conflict.
Take a long last look before you leave
Before making a major change, take a moment to appreciate what's being left behind.
Behind the barricades they're in a state of siege
They're under attack and need to defend themselves, but they're also trapped and vulnerable.
They give the rally cry while their enemies and allies drift away
They're trying to inspire others to fight alongside them, but the people around them are growing distant and uninvolved.
Contributed by Kennedy B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.