Marxist Jargon — 12 February 2020 on Rocket Shop Radio Hour

Marxist Jargon joined guest host Genevieve Rossi on ‘Rocket Shop‘, Big Heavy World’s weekly local Vermont music radio hour on 105.9FM The Radiator.

Marxist Jargon brought their acoustic folk punk into Rocketshop on Wednesday, February 12th. The band of seven sings about the problematic aspects of the world that they struggle with. Their goal? To plant the seeds of a more desirable world - one that they believe already exists. 

Hailing from Burlington, Marxist Jargon came together to make music simply because they’re all good friends with the same interests and enjoy writing about the issues that matter to them. The band utilizes a variety of instruments - the cajon, guitar, fiddle, mandolin, a tambourine, and even an egg-shaker, creating a unique mix of sounds.

Their first song, “Ironic Nazi” had a catchy tune, with accusatory lyrics like, “You’ve said the things you said and done the things you’ve done.” During their performance, it became clear that Marxist Jargon has a clever way of addressing those in power in a way that somehow does not come across as too aggressive. Instead, their folksy nature adds a lighter tone to their music, and I think that this particular juxtaposition of their sound and subject matter is what sets them apart. The band calls their music “Un-Americana,” since they tend to convey social justice messages in what they deem to be a non-American, anarchist format. Nonetheless, this genre attracts specific groups here in Vermont. Marxist Jargon agrees that people are supportive of the kind of music they make, explaining: “It’s a movement that’s all about meeting people’s basic needs.” Marxist Jargon’s main goal as a band? “We want to be a political education initiative - but not take it too seriously, and have fun with it.” 

Their second song, called “Landlord,” was a bit bouncier and lighthearted, with the tongue-in-cheek chorus, “Made a deal with the devil and always want more/We ain’t payin the rent no more.”  It’s the kind of song that makes you smile or tap your foot to the beat, at the very least - likely a fan favorite.

They described their final song as a “direct opposition to the narrative of space travel as a way to escape climate change and what we’re doing to the planet.” This number was especially moving. The two vocalists demonstrated the extent of their range and harmonized beautifully. The song, although airy sounding, was ultimately disturbing, containing the lyrics: “Baby don’t worry, baby don’t cry/We may destroy ourselves but as a whole we’ll never die/Billionaires build space shapes and point our hopes towards the sky/They don’t love you.” What began as something similar to a nursery rhyme developed into a song with so much more depth, inviting you to take in those words and think about the current state of our planet. 

Marxist Jargon especially enjoys playing at protests and  basement shows. Their dream is to go on a bike-powered library tour. You can listen to their music on Bandcamp or follow their Instagram to stay posted on upcoming events.

Text by Gianna Seaver

Photo by Jamie Cotter.