Jex Thoth was initially a collaboration between Jessica Bowen and ex-husband songwriter James Jackson Toth, leader of the experimental psych-folk outfit Wooden Wand. Like Wooden Wand the band initially favored stage names (Jex Thoth aka Jessica Bowen, Grim Jim aka James Jackson Toth, Silas Paine aka Glenn Donaldson from The Skygreen Leopards, Zodiac aka Clay Ruby, and, later, Johnny Dee aka Nick Johnson. Frontwoman Jessica Bowen and drummer Nick Johnson are the only remaining original members. Since then, the band has featured a rotating cast of Madison musicians, including Brandon Newhouse and Matt Jacobs.
Jex Thoth debuted in 2008 with a self-titled album of thudding, psychedelic acid rock featuring mythological lyrics and riff-laden hooks. Blood Moon Rise, released in June 2013, is a much different, dreamier affair than its full-length predecessor. Produced by renowned Seattle producer Randall Dunn, Blood Moon Rise is more polished and gently wandering than riff-driven, showing as much pop as metal influence. Bowen's remarkable vocals are a mainstay, however, and remain the central appeal of the band.
www.jexthoth.net
The Divide
Jex Thoth Lyrics
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Sharpening the silence
Cutting to the distance
Will they know us when we come
Strong and reckless
Wrong and fearless
Do they hear us
Will the know us when we come
Wrong, detangled
Divide
Roar, detangled
Divide
Softening the sharpness
Far beyond the distance
Steady in the stillness
Will they be ready when we come
Roar, the hammer
Decide
Roar, the hammer
Decide
The lyrics of this song by Jex Thoth, entitled "The Divide," portray a sense of looming danger or conflict. The first stanza speaks of "harvesting the stillness" and "sharpening the silence," which could be interpreted as preparations for a battle or confrontation. The line "will they know us when we come" further emphasizes the unknown and potentially hostile nature of the situation. The second stanza continues this theme with more references to strength, fearlessness, and a sense of urgency. The lines "wrong, detangled, divide" and "roar, detangled, divide" suggest that the situation may be complex and difficult to navigate.
However, the final lines of the song offer a glimmer of hope. The third stanza speaks of "softening the sharpness" and "steady in the stillness," which could be interpreted as attempts to diffuse the tension and find a peaceful solution. The line "will they be ready when we come" suggests a desire for mutual understanding and cooperation. The repeated phrase "roar, the hammer, decide" could be interpreted as a call to action, but also an acknowledgement of the difficult decisions that must be made.
Line by Line Meaning
Harvesting the stillness
Immersing oneself in the quiet and peaceful state of being
Sharpening the silence
Becoming more aware and conscious of the quietness and tranquility
Cutting to the distance
Breaking free from current limitations and moving towards a distant point or goal
Will they know us when we come
Will others recognize and understand us when we achieve our goals and become who we are meant to be
Strong and reckless
Bold and daring, without fear of consequences
Wrong and fearless
Unafraid to take risks or make mistakes, even if they are not necessarily right
Do they hear us
Is anyone listening or paying attention to what we are saying or doing
Will the know us when we come
Will others recognize us and our achievements when we arrive
Wrong, detangled
Separated from the confusion or misconceptions, even if it goes against conventional wisdom
Divide
Splitting into separate parts or paths
Roar, detangled
Breaking free from constraints with a loud, powerful statement or action
Softening the sharpness
Reducing the harshness and intensity of a situation or emotion
Far beyond the distance
Reaching a point or state that is infinitely further away than the current location or situation
Steady in the stillness
Remain calm and focused despite the surrounding quiet and inactivity
Will they be ready when we come
Will others be prepared to receive and accept us when we arrive at our destination or goal
Roar, the hammer
A loud, powerful force or decision that can break barriers and make significant change
Decide
Make a final and definitive choice or action
Contributed by Connor P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.