“Bread & Circuses”, the newest release from Powers of the Monk, is a courageous and haunting single that leaves little on the table. The song tells the story of a patient with schizophrenia who dreams of escaping a mental asylum and wandering into a circus. In this troubled vision, the circus becomes an unsettling stage where lions devour clowns an image that reflects both the chaos of delusion and the dark comedy of life’s harsher truths. It’s a disturbing picture, but the band uses it not for shock value, rather to provide a glimpse into a tortured yet vivid state of mind. The lyrics may feel blunt at times, but the raw delivery ensures that the mood lingers long after the track ends.
Musically, “Bread & Circuses” relies on the band’s signature blend of grit and atmosphere. David S. Monk’s vocals and guitar balance tension with fleeting moments of release, while CasSondra “Pontiac” Powers brings ghostly depth through haunting violin lines and vocals that cut in like a second voice inside the same mind. Guest drummer John O’Reilly Jr. drives the track forward with pounding rhythms that mirror the urgency of the narrative. Under the direction of producer Dani Macchi, each instrument is given weight, creating a full-bodied sound that never feels over-polished. The rough edges remain, and they suit the subject matter perfectly.
This single also shows how far the band has progressed in a short span of time. From earlier songs like “Firefly” and “Freight Train” to more recent highlights such as “Icarus” and “Strip the Bone”, Powers of the Monk continue to push themselves into new creative territory. “Bread & Circuses” feels like another daring step forward, combining storytelling, performance, and emotional honesty in a way that is both unsettling and unforgettable. It may not be the track you put on for easy listening, but it is one that demands your full attention. And in today’s world of disposable singles, that is something worth celebrating.
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