Erik started making music at a young age, but it wasn’t until age 16 that he started playing shows with his punk band, The Orphans. Influenced by “Fresh Fruit”-era Dead Kennedys and “Worlds Apart”-era Subhumans, the band had released a 7” (“Anthems for Doomed Youth,” 1996) before half of them were even old enough to drive. They officially disbanded in 2000 and Erik continued to make music…digging into the past for a more traditional sound to mix with punk ideals. The result was “Mirth,” a demo of acoustic punk influenced by medieval danses and raucous Romany dust-raising ditties (2000). The tape was rough and scratchy - yet it was clear that there were solid anthems buried under that hiss, which was evident by the scope of the tape, spanning city and state. Logically, a live show was expected – and despite the drums and extra instrumentation on the tape (all layered on a four-track recorder), there was no band. Over the years, seeing “Mischief Brew” on a flyer meant you were just seeing Erik Petersen with an acoustic guitar or mandolin. There was no PA in the beginning, just a roomful of West Philly’s finest rabble-rousers singing along to the “Mirth” songs. And for quite some time, this is how things stayed until it was necessary to deliver a proper recording.
“Bellingham & Philadelphia” (2003) is a split LP/CD with Washington state’s roving songcrafter Robert Blake. Meanwhile, Fistolo Records (the label Erik co-founded and runs with his wife Denise) released the “Bakenal” CDep. It was hard to believe that all the songs were recorded in the same session and split between two releases, as they were completely different experiences soundwise. “Bellingham” was more Phil Ochs/Bob Dylan-style political folk, while “Bakenal” delivered gypsy-punk swing, Poguesy drinking songs, and even a drunken tango. Two years of touring followed, from punk bars to basement shows. Meanwhile, Erik visited the studio here and there to record a few acoustic tracks for the Orphans discography (“Raise the Youth,” 2004), and the Mischief Brew “Oh Sweet Misery b/w All About the Class War” single (2005).
For an official full-length, Mischief Brew needed a non-traditional studio (by punk standards), since the songs required a more varied instrumentation to bring forth the gypsy melodies and circus beats. Impressed by the work of Israeli producer Tamir Muskat (Balkan Beat Box, Firewater, Big Lazy…), Erik visited the Brooklyn studio that he runs. Vibromonk has produced records by such festive acts as Gogol Bordello, World/Inferno Friendship Society, Firewater and more…the kind of place that knows how to mic a marimba. For this record, a backing band was assembled consisting of bass, drums, accordion, clarinet, and junk percussion. Guest appearances by Sturgeon (Leftover Crack), Peter Hess (Guignol), and Franz Nicolay (World/Inferno, The Hold Steady) bring the album even more character. “Smash the Windows” (2005) includes the folk-punk anthems “Nomads Revolt” and “Roll Me Through the Gates of Hell” – but also the epic tale “The Gypsy, The Punk, and The Fool” and the klez/ska rendition of “A Liquor Never Brewed.” The album closes with “Departure Arrival,” a sweet folk lament about leaving the comforts of home for uncharted cities and towns. “Departure” was also featured on “Up the Stairs and Through the Hall,” a 2xCD compilation of independent artists and bands from Philadelphia.
But wait, there’s more! Meanwhile, Mischief Brew released a split 7” with David Dondero (an influence on Bright Eyes) and another with -Bread & Roses (Boston-based labor folk at its best). The newest recording, “Songs from Under the Sink,” is a batch of anarcho-folk songs written between 1997-2002…finally put on LP and CD once and for all. If it had to all fit under one banner, it would read, "Carnivalesque!"
Love And Rage
Mischief Brew Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Soon be the day
They sang as they swayed in the pews
Sang with love, love and rage
Soon be the day as they joined up to pray
Think of the power of song
And the history it brings along
Of some hot Southern nights
Through blood rain tears will shine
Every night and by day
With love, love and rage
Soon be the day
They sang as they swayed in the pews
Sang with love, love and rage
Soon be the day as they joined up to pray
I'm hearin' some old singer sing
A song that out tale-tellers bring
It has been sung
Through cracked jaws, swollen tongues
In the land of the freed
Where they sang freedom rings
With love, love and rage
Soon be the day
They sang as they swayed in the pews
Sang with love, love and rage
Soon be the day as they joined up to pray
So now that I see where I am
I see race still determines
The bless from the damned
And the greatest of all historical shams
Is believing you cannot do something you can
So it's love, love and rage
Soon be the day
They sang as they swayed in the pews
Sang with love, love and rage
Soon be the day as they joined up to pray
And it's love, love and rage
Soon be the day
They sang as they swayed in the pews
Love, love and rage
Soon be the day as they joined up to pray
The Mischief Brew song "Love and Rage" is a powerful political statement infused with personal reflection. The overall theme is one of hope, resilience, and resistance in the face of oppression, racism, and inequality. The lyrics explicitly refer to the centuries-long struggle for black liberation in the United States, highlighting the crucial role of music as a form of cultural and political resistance.
With the repeated lines "Love, love and rage/ soon be the day" the song expresses a hope for a better future, where love and passion for justice will overcome the oppression and inequalities faced by marginalized communities. The reference to "hot Southern nights" speaks to the history of the Civil Rights Movement and the use of music as a tool for resistance and solidarity.
The song also acknowledges the persistence of racism and inequality in contemporary society, as the lyrics state "I see race still determines/ the bless from the damned." However, the message is one of empowerment and self-determination, urging listeners to reject the belief that they cannot effect change and instead embrace the power of love and rage in their struggle for justice.
Line by Line Meaning
Love, love and rage
A combination of love and fury fuels the struggle for equality.
Soon be the day
The time for change is near.
They sang as they swayed in the pews
The power of music can unite people in a common cause.
Sang with love, love and rage
Their music was fueled by passion and a desire for justice.
Soon be the day as they joined up to pray
They came together to seek Divine guidance and strength for their struggle.
Think of the power of song
Music has long been a tool for social and political change.
And the history it brings along
Songs can connect us to the past and remind us of our struggles and progress.
And i can almost see sights
The music allows the singer to envision the past and the struggles of others.
Of some hot Southern nights
The singer imagines the steamy nights of the American South, where much of the civil rights struggle took place.
Through blood rain tears will shine
Despite the violence, tears of hope and determination reflect a spirit that will not be defeated.
Every night and by day
The struggle for justice continues around the clock, every day.
I'm hearin' some old singer sing
The singer is inspired by the music of past generations who fought for freedom.
A song that out tale-tellers bring
Songs are powerful stories that can inspire others to join in the struggle.
It has been sung
The song has a history of being used as a tool for change.
Through cracked jaws, swollen tongues
Even those who have been beaten and oppressed can still find a way to sing out for justice.
In the land of the freed
Despite being called the 'land of the free,' America has a history of oppression and injustice.
Where they sang freedom rings
The music of the struggle for civil rights was often inspired by the concept of freedom.
So now that I see where I am
The singer is aware of the ongoing struggle for equality.
I see race still determines
Race continues to play a major role in shaping people's experiences and opportunities.
The bless from the damned
Those who have been oppressed can still find blessings and hope in the struggle for justice.
And the greatest of all historical shams
The belief that some people are inherently superior or inferior based on their race is a great lie that has been perpetuated throughout history.
Is believing you cannot do something you can
The key to making progress is believing that change is possible and that we have the power to create it.
Contributed by Mason J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Rat0verlord
Love, love and rage
Soon be the day
They sang as they swayed in the pews
Sang with love, love and rage
Soon be the day as they joined up to pray
Think of the power of song
And the history it brings along
And i can almost see sights
Of some hot Southern nights
Through blood rain tears will shine
Every night and by day
With love, love and rage
Soon be the day
They sang as they swayed in the pews
Sang with love, love and rage
Soon be the day as they joined up to pray
I'm hearin' some old singer sing
A song that out tale-tellers bring
It has been sung
Through cracked jaws, swollen tongues
In the land of the freed
Where they sang freedom rings
With love, love and rage
Soon be the day
They sang as they swayed in the pews
Sang with love, love and rage
Soon be the day as they joined up to pray
So now that I see where I am
I see race still determines
The bless from the damned
And the greatest of all historical shams
Is believing you cannot do something you can
So it's love, love and rage
Soon be the day
They sang as they swayed in the pews
Sang with love, love and rage
Soon be the day as they joined up to pray
And it's love, love and rage
Soon be the day
They sang as they swayed in the pews
Love, love and rage
Soon be the day as they joined up to pray
Hugh Jass
"The greatest of all historical shams is believing you cannot do something you can"
RIP Erik
Wilson whiting
I swear.. The most powerful lyric going
Rat0verlord
Love, love and rage
Soon be the day
They sang as they swayed in the pews
Sang with love, love and rage
Soon be the day as they joined up to pray
Think of the power of song
And the history it brings along
And i can almost see sights
Of some hot Southern nights
Through blood rain tears will shine
Every night and by day
With love, love and rage
Soon be the day
They sang as they swayed in the pews
Sang with love, love and rage
Soon be the day as they joined up to pray
I'm hearin' some old singer sing
A song that out tale-tellers bring
It has been sung
Through cracked jaws, swollen tongues
In the land of the freed
Where they sang freedom rings
With love, love and rage
Soon be the day
They sang as they swayed in the pews
Sang with love, love and rage
Soon be the day as they joined up to pray
So now that I see where I am
I see race still determines
The bless from the damned
And the greatest of all historical shams
Is believing you cannot do something you can
So it's love, love and rage
Soon be the day
They sang as they swayed in the pews
Sang with love, love and rage
Soon be the day as they joined up to pray
And it's love, love and rage
Soon be the day
They sang as they swayed in the pews
Love, love and rage
Soon be the day as they joined up to pray
Boxer vs Eible
Awesome! Thank you!
Who Are You? Suka!
even my grumpy racist little brother said he heard Mischief Brew and liked them, as i grabbed my chest in shock, i realized there is hope in that boy to get his shit together.
Jolly Roman
This comment was 100% written by a middle schooler lol
jerkfacebg
TMT81 We must lead the mislead .
xXFetus.StomperXx
TMT81 teach him acceptance. there is hope
John Terbot
RIP Erik. We have Love and Rage driving us right now and we're believing we can do something wonderful.
Randy Blanco
This is the first song I had thought to listen to when I heard of your passing RIP brother you made some of the best music I've ever heard. Its a damn shame and I regret not seeing you guys play in Brooklyn. You were a trailblazer and inspired thousands, and you definitely inspired me.