The Low Stakes Band “End of War”

Every artist has that dream, a driving force behind all their creations. The dream may have many shapes and sizes but, once stripped down to the intention behind it, it is always the same. To make a meaningful difference in the world we live in. One might want to rule the charts, or solve a pressing issue, be it social, political, religious, etc. Or, as it is in the case of the writer behind The Low Stakes Band, to end war. Not just any war, but all of them, once and for all. And then, in the hypothetical future, to explain to the children living in that warless world the concept behind the cruel acts of war as “something humanity used to do, but no longer does”. 

“End of War” is not exactly a new song. However, having been written several years ago, it has now received an official release for the first time. That older version, which I have not heard, won the USA Songwriting Contest at the time. The new version, which we all can hear on the streaming platforms, is a tribute to John Lennon’s “Imagine”. That’s as far as the press release goes, a collection of facts, so let’s explore the emotional side of it and discover the actual music.

The song begins in a way that every classic anti-war anthem should – with the sound of an acoustic guitar and a folky vibe. What follows is much more powerful, though. A monumental orchestral soundscape pours in goosebumps-inducing emotions, transforming the song into an anthemic experience. With war-like drums accompanying children’s choirs. You might think this would be too much, but give it an actual listen and you will see how tasteful this arrangement really is.

Do we need songs like this? In the 21st century? In the actual future we have been living for the last 26 years? While, I imagine, some of us could share differing opinions, we haven’t really seen much peace in the timeframe I have just mentioned. All the utopian movies and songs from the 1980s and the 1990s do not seem to have brought much. Not yet. So, let the artists dream, is all I am going to say. And try to convey this dream to the masses, over and over again. Until the message sinks in. Or until somebody comes up with a better idea.

Photo: Press release