Rory McKeown on album 'Now Is a Long Time':
"Otzeki - the project of cousins Mike Sharp and Joel Roberts - was born after a semi drunken jam on a partly functioning Yamaha AN200 drum machine and a Fender Jaguar guitar. Taking their name from a misremembered Russian author, their blend of carefully sourced electronics, luscious electric guitar and falsetto vocals has been the longstanding formula of the project which has seen them tour Europe, UK and USA. Vigorously awakening crowds to their contoured sound they are able to create an almost deadly, definitely dangerous live energy..
- The title of electronic-punk duo Otzeki’s new album couldn’t be more pertinent for these strange times.
Inspired by the Truisms of artist Jenny Holzer, the message "Now is a Long Time" was written on a piece of paper and pinned above Mike Sharp’s bed at his Finsbury Park pad as he, along with cousin Joel Roberts, were writing the follow up to 2018’s debut record Binary Childhood.
The message stuck and became the name for album two, culminating in the band spray painting the words across a billboard in Waterloo for its striking album artwork. The statement remained there for four weeks before being painted over.
Mostly written on a laptop on the move, Now is a Long Time saw Otzeki embrace a quicker, more “instantaneous” writing process, resulting in a unique, infectious, and sonically-sprawling electronic effort, including the huge singles Max Wells-Demon and Sweet Sunshine."
Max Wells-Demon
Otzeki Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
you set yourself
just the usual
nine to five
it’s a hack
for your mental health
it’s your dream house
in the countryside
no it’s not quite what you expected
but it’ll do for now yeah it’ll do somehow
it’s not quite what you expected
but it’ll do for now yeah it’s do somehow
show me a sign
bring us back together
throw me a line
in that spaceless place
show me a sign
throw me a line
show me a sign
bring us back together
throw me a line
in that spaceless place
show me a sign
throw me a line
no it’s not quite what you expected
but it’ll do for now yeah it’ll do somehow
it’s not quite what you expected
but it’ll do for now yeah it’s do somehow
we are the cocaine water supply
and the blood that fuels this conversation
we are a heart to heart in the morning light
and the hunger for stimulation
no it’s not quite what you expected
but it’ll do for now yeah it’ll do somehow
it’s not quite what you expected
but it’ll do for now yeah it’ll do somehow
show me a sign
bring us back together
throw me a line
in that spaceless place
show me a sign
throw me a line
The lyrics to Otzeki's song "Max Wells-Demon" explore themes of dissatisfaction with one's current situation and the desire for something more fulfilling. The song portrays a sense of resignation and acceptance of a mundane and unfulfilling life, symbolized by the "usual nine to five" job and the "dream house in the countryside." Though it may not be what the person expected or truly desires, they settle for it, believing it will suffice for now.
The repetition of the lines "no it's not quite what you expected, but it'll do for now, yeah it'll do somehow" emphasizes the idea of compromise and making do with the current circumstances. There is a sense of urgency in the repeated pleas to "show me a sign" and "throw me a line," suggesting a desire for change or a way out of this unfulfilling existence.
The lyrics also touch upon the idea of human connection and the need for meaningful relationships. The line "bring us back together" signifies a longing for unity and connection with others, while the mention of "heart to heart in the morning light" highlights the yearning for deep and authentic connections. The reference to being "the cocaine water supply" and "the blood that fuels this conversation" may symbolize the addictive and intense nature of human interaction and the hunger for stimulation and excitement.
Overall, "Max Wells-Demon" delves into the themes of dissatisfaction, compromise, longing for change, and the desire for meaningful connections.
Line by Line Meaning
this is a trap
This situation is a deceptive and confining circumstance.
you set yourself
You willingly placed yourself in this predicament.
just the usual
It is nothing out of the ordinary.
nine to five
A regular and monotonous work routine.
it’s a hack
It's a temporary solution or shortcut.
for your mental health
To maintain your emotional well-being.
it’s your dream house
It represents your ideal living space.
in the countryside
Located in a rural area.
no it’s not quite what you expected
Contrary to your initial hopes or desires.
but it’ll do for now yeah it’ll do somehow
Despite not being ideal, it serves its purpose temporarily.
we are the cocaine water supply
We fuel the constant need for stimulation like a drug-infused water source.
and the blood that fuels this conversation
We are the life force that intensifies and sustains this discussion.
we are a heart to heart in the morning light
We embody an intimate and sincere conversation during the early hours of the day.
and the hunger for stimulation
We embody the craving for excitement and novelty.
show me a sign
Reveal an indication or symbol to guide me.
bring us back together
Restore our connection or unity.
throw me a line
Provide assistance or support in this limitless place.
in that spaceless place
In an intangible and boundless realm.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Joel Roberts, Michael Sharp
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Radoslaw Kraszewski
Wow!!! Sooo cool ! LOVE IT ❤️
The Broccoli King
Great performance and vocals! Awesome! Happy weekend!
Antonin Booking
Congrats guys! Love it
Liberté Music
Love it!!! Great custom sound from GB. All the best from TR/GER
snatsdan
Love it! This really makes me want to dance and I haven't felt like that for so long. So thank you :) x x
computergenius100
love it so much. performance is amazing. goosebumps.
Seb-PJ
Not what I was expecting, but it's even better.
This is on my playlist for tonight's party !
Sabina Tavinor
This. Perfect. Thank you! 🤗
UneJolieMouette
So, this is what a drive-in concert looks like... quite difficult to dance in the car and this song makes me want to dance 😊
clara vr
ohh yes !! 🕺✨
i really need to see you in concert again