Paper Monarchs "Black Hole" | Press

Paper Monarchs has just unveiled their latest single, "Black Hole." This release marks a significant shift from their earlier track, "Dark Soul." In "Black Hole," the band opts for a smoother delivery that emphasizes subtlety instead of the explosive guitar riffs that defined their sound last release. The song explores cosmic imagery intertwined with psychological themes, capturing both the allure and dangers of narcissism.

A Shift in Sound

In "Black Hole," Paper Monarchs embraces a more ethereal soundscape that evokes the vastness of the cosmos. Unlike the aggressive, guitar-driven sound of "Dark Soul," the new single features an atmospheric backdrop that envelops the listener, creating a reflective experience. The instrumentation enhances the song's theme, simulating the feeling of drifting into space while balancing tension with calmness.

The band’s decision to pivot toward a smoother sound reflects a diversity of their musical identity. With "Black Hole," they aim to perhaps craft a more immersive experience that resonates with existing fans and attracts new listeners.

Jungian Exploration of Narcissism

One of the most profound elements of "Black Hole" is its engagement with Jungian themes, particularly the exploration of narcissism. Narcissism, characterized by an excessive focus on oneself, can lead to toxic relationships and isolation—much like a black hole in space. This parallel illuminates how narcissism consumes similar to a black hole's gravitational pull.

The lyrics delve into portraying how those absorbed in themselves often draw energy from their surroundings. This behavior creates a facade of strength while leading to loneliness and detachment. In fact, studies suggest that individuals exhibiting high levels of narcissistic traits report lower relationship satisfaction, underscoring the emptiness associated with such self-absorption.

As listeners journey through "Black Hole," they are drawn to reflect on the paradox of beauty and danger found in both black holes and narcissism. The song's composition reflects this complexity, alternating between haunting melodies and resonant harmonies that mirror the vastness of the universe.

Ultimately, the song conveys a cautionary tale about the darker aspects of human nature that lead to downfall. By utilizing cosmic imagery, Paper Monarchs not only evokes the expansive unknown but also personalizes the experience, outlining the boundaries of human emotion and behavior.

Insights from Andrew Snow

Insights from the band’s manager, Andrew Snow, provide an additional layer of depth to the song's meaning. He describes the band’s name, Paper Monarchs, as representing a balance between ambition and fragility. As he puts it, “The monarch aspect represents our potential and goal to soar high, while the paper aspect reminds us of our delicate nature, capable of being blown away in that same wind.”

This perspective underpins the song's narrative. Snow notes that despite their aspirations, the band remains grounded and mindful of the challenges in the music industry. He emphasizes the importance of avoiding self-importance, and this caution against narcissism echoes throughout "Black Hole," reinforcing the band's commitment to thoughtful themes taken from their own realistic expectations. "As a new startup, it's going to be at least a year from release before momentum starts to show" says Adnrew, "so there isn't any point in acting bombastic about ourselves before then — especially if it doesn't work out."

A Journey into Depth

"Black Hole" is more than just a single; it is a thoughtful exploration of the intricacies of human nature wrapped in a stunning cosmic metaphor. With this release, Paper Monarchs encourages listeners to look beyond the surface, prompting introspection regarding themselves and the relationships they value. This outward perspective from the Earth to the stars may be a bit of a contradiction to their featured quote of Carl Jung as saying, "Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes." However, perhaps there within exists the meaning we are seeing in the title of the album featuring this song, "Through the Parallax."