Michelle Zauner — aka Japanese Breakfast — wastes no time in offering her condemnation for anyone who takes refuge in the inherent violence and bigotry of toxic masculinity on her latest single, “Mega Circuit”. Her caustic observations are couched in a spirited pop atmosphere, with the drums being particularly effective in addressing this balance between anger and melody. You can hear the dread and frustration laid out behind the track’s superficial shimmers and rhythmic motions. Zauner has a preternatural ability to wrap acidic truths in the sheen of opulent musicality.
“‘Mega Circuit’ was one of the first songs I wrote, intent on making a creepier, more guitar-driven record,” explains Zauner. “The song is sort of an examination of contemporary masculinity, and explores a conflicted desire to embrace a generation that in the absence of positive role models has found refuge in violence and bigotry. We had the legendary Jim Keltner—who’s played on everything from ‘These Days,’ to ‘Here You Come Again’ to ‘Dream Weaver’—come in and play the fiercest shuffle you’ve ever heard.”
Zauner worked with frequent collaborator Adam Kolodny on the song’s accompanying video.
Watch the clip below.
For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women) is due out March 21 via Dead Oceans. You can pre-order the album here. Follow the band on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
