Guitar ace Johnny Marr has released Armatopia, his most synth pop song to date and his first new material since last year’s Call The Comet album.
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With a nod to Hard Rain by Bob Dylan in the opening lyric, Armatopia continues in the dark electro vein of his most recent work.
"Armatopia is the odd state we find the ecology and ourselves in today," the ex-Smiths guitarist said. "Have those in control made people feel like there’s only one thing left they can do? 'We’re smoking till we burn out’, so we dance and party. It’s Eco-Disco for 2019."
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Watch: Johnny Marr unveils plaque in his honour in his parent's hometown of Athy
The track was produced by India Lee, who had recently worked with Mahalia and The Specials. The video video was directed by Kris Rimmer.
"Johnny and I wanted to work with the idea that even when the future of a person seems bleak and uncertain, they can still choose to pursue pleasure and self-indulgence," said Rimmer.
"In this case, that hedonism is embodied in our four main characters. We chose the derelict tower block to contrast their eccentricities and followed them on a journey to "the last place on earth left open". There seems to be something quite significant about finding romance in the last days of existence."
Marr recently announced a 19-date North American solo tour. He last played Ireland last November earlier that day he visited Athy, the home town of both his parents, to unveil a plaque in his honour.
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