Aotearoa rap-rock sensation WHO SHOT SCOTT has delivered another head-spinning single, “PACK STEEL”.
“I’m biting on the hardest candy” is a line that instantly grips the ear. WHO SHOT SCOTT himself can be described as hard candy, with his addictive production highs and teeth-breaking narratives.
High-paced basslines and drums propel the gritty lyrics of a song on the burning aftermath of a broken friendship.
“This song reflects the experience of falling out with a close friend and the lingering resentment that followed. After an uncomfortable conversation with someone I deeply care about, I spent the night unable to sleep, battling imaginary conflicts in my mind over their words,” he shares.
After some self-reflection about the fracture, he eventually “realised I wasn’t truly fighting against my friend, but rather against myself and the false narratives I was creating. Once I arrived at that thought, it became clear that it was all a trauma response.”
“Look, I don’t wanna pack steel. Give me anything for real,” the chorus rips.
To pack steel is to be defensive and wield oneself with a semblance of power. ” I told myself at that moment that I don’t want to carry metaphorical weapons anymore. I want to choose peace over war with others or myself for that matter,” he adds.
“PACK STEEL” stand outs with its feverish rap that, along with its deep-toned verses and higher-pitched chorus.
Connor Pritchard once again directs the music video, with a whirlwind of visuals and editing magic that helps us peer into the excitable psyche of WHO SHOT SCOTT (watch above).
Side A of the artist’s EP BRAIN shook up the charts upon its release last February. Side B is coming out next month, so hold onto your handrails.
WHO SHOT SCOTT’S ‘”PACK STEEL” is out now.
