Song Review: “Rose” by MISC.
When did manliness become a casual commodity? When did traits like brawn, stubbornness, and stoicism transform into virtues to aspire to? History, by and large, doesn’t celebrate these qualities. Sure, we might remember a few larger-than-life representations of virility–actors like Errol Flynn and John Wayne or mythical heroes like Robin Hood and Beowulf. But even mythology undercuts the macho ideal. It was intellect, not brute force, that won the Trojan War, thanks to Odysseus, a cunning strategist rarely mentioned in the same breath as warriors like Achilles and Hector. David defeated a giant twice his size with nothing but a sling and a stone. In reality, consider how we glorify our nation’s founding. Why are Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin household names, despite their lack of battlefield experience, while figures like Daniel Morgan and Anthony Wayne remain footnotes in history? Why is it that the legendary men we truly revere are so far removed from our modern obsession with the muscle-bound “alpha male?”
Because the true measure of a man isn’t found in physical strength or outward appearance–it lies in the ideals he embodies. It’s about the standards you set, not only for yourself but for those around you. A real man seeks to uplift others, to inspire growth, and to push humanity forward. This mindset isn’t about dominance; it’s about driving progress through principles, integrity, and a commitment to collective betterment. A true man stands for mankind—all of us—embracing our differences and fostering unity.
For some, this concept feels intangible, too difficult to grasp. Some lament the supposed pitfalls of being a man in today’s world, while others scoff and dismiss such ideas outright. Yet, this notion has gained prominence in recent years, simmering as quiet resentment in some corners but driving tangible action in others. It’s no longer something to ignore. It’s up to genuine men to stand up and dismantle these myths in today’s world. This can be as simple as calling out behavior that crosses the line or as intentional as engaging with others directly to bridge divides and address the deeper issues at hand. For MISC., their response is clear: they’ve crafted their boldest musical statements yet–a work that leaves no doubt about what masculinity means in the modern age.
Entitled “Rose,” the track mirrors the delicate beauty often overlooked as a facet of innate strength. This rap-rock piece is a labyrinth of reckoning, intricately layered with raw, reactive indignation tempered by thoughtful lucidity. It’s a powerful exploration of vulnerability and resilience, challenging outdated notions of masculinity with both intensity and introspection. The song doesn’t veil its subject matter, diving in with a confrontational tone right from the start, galvanized by the sophisticated groove driving it forward. Lines like “So you a man, huh? / Yeah, you’d die for your respect / Envision yourself as fearless / But you hiding from regrets set the tone, delivering a blunt challenge to so-called “traditional” ideals of masculinity.
The music evokes a cerebral quality, but this song avoids falling into the trap of scholarly scolding from a lectern. Instead, its lyrical tone is unapologetically direct and explicit, pushing the soundscape to a breaking point that underscores how caution and fury can work together to drive change (“I’m fucking tired\ Get the fuck out of my face\ You tryna change\ Keep running away”). It’s visceral, blending raw emotion with pointed critique to bludgeon the message home by any means necessary–similar to how working-class pacifists can vehemently embrace notions like “eat the rich” when pushed too far. The song doesn’t shy away from aggression; instead, it channels that intensity into a fierce, unapologetic call for change, pushing against the very systems it seeks to challenge. It’s not just an anthem for revolution; it’s a declaration that the status quo must be confronted, no matter the cost.
Musically, the band reaches its peak here, far surpassing the high bar set by tracks like “Willow” and “Days of the Weak” from their debut album, Sounds Like Whisk. As complex and tangled as the concept of modern masculinity itself, the song embraces the restless discontent, blending soaring melodies with punishing rhythms. In one of the most thrilling moments, a saxophone enters the fray, courtesy of VCU jazz performer Malik Gray. His woodwind frenzy injects a chaotic yet melodic energy, providing a second wind to the whirlwind of aggression and adding depth to the song’s already layered soundscape. On top of all of this is the vocals, driving the point home with a particularly tempestuous verse that cuts through the chaos.
That’s what you think being a man is
Don’t panic
Sitting with your insecurities
Judging women by purity
You ain’t a god or a Hercules
Tears will fall when you lash out
Tears will fall when you crash out
Tears will fall when she wakes up
And recognizes it was fake love
Causing so much anguish
Life’s never painless
The truth is only naked
Some things in life are sacred”
The delivery is raw and forceful, matching the intensity of the music while amplifying the song’s rebellious spirit. Every word feels like a battle cry, each line delivered with a palpable urgency, ensuring the message lands with maximum impact. It’s not just a performance; it’s an exclamation, a declaration that refuses to be ignored.
Of course, the song’s greatest strength lies in its stylistic origins. Whether you call it rap-rock or nu-metal, the genre’s roots are tangled in the casual toxic masculinity of the ’90s. One of the first mainstream hits in this style featured Fred Durst distilling his ethos to a crude pursuit of women–a sentiment that, unfortunately, was far from an anomaly. Later bands like Linkin Park helped steer the genre in a more thoughtful direction, channeling its intensity to address the fragile complexities of mental health. Yet, despite this progress, a testosterone-fueled fanbase continued to thrive.
Fast forward a generation and today’s youth are rediscovering this genre, infusing it with fresh inspiration. They’ve embraced its dynamic energy while discarding the virulent vices that once clung to it, forging a more inclusive and resonant sound for a new era. “Rose” is icing on the cake in this regard, an assertive statement that not only distances themselves from that decaying root but plants fresh seeds of what the genre can become. It’s a statement that strength isn’t about domination but about empathy, self-awareness, and growth. By reimagining the genre’s foundations, “Rose” turns its legacy on its head, using the raw intensity of rap-rock not as a vehicle for aggression but as a platform for reflection and connection.
In this way, “Rose” is unapologetically bold, delivering a powerful message that challenges the shallow ideals of masculinity rooted in gym routines and sports obsession. History won’t remember these fleeting interests when defining what it means to be a man. Instead, it will honor those who stood up against injustice and fought to right the wrongs in their own way. Courage, integrity, and the willingness to create change. That’s what being a man truly is.
“Rose” is available now on all streaming platforms. To learn more about MISC. and stay up-to-date on their upcoming shows and releases, be sure to follow them on social media.
