Premiere: Artschool Confronts The Burden Of Capitalism In Their New Single, “It Takes A Toll”
As we grow older, we begin to question the oddities of what was instilled in us as children. From superstitions taught as truth to rules that adults themselves rarely followed, the flaws in what was handed down to us as a “functional society” become more apparent. One particular example that stands out in hindsight is career day–those seemingly harmless events where parents would discuss their jobs, why they chose them, what they enjoyed about them, and what their work was like. It appears, on the surface, to be an educational activity designed to broaden our understanding of the world. But in reality, it’s one of the first subtle forms of conditioning, priming us to become not necessarily proper members of society, but productive ones.
Consider how often you’ve heard the question, “What did you want to be when you grew up?” Now think about how rarely that question prompts thoughts of a mindset, a philosophy, or a unique achievement—instead, it almost always points to a job title, something tied to making a living. Our entire lives, we’ve been primed to fit neatly into the machinery of society, molded to slide into the roles where we cause the least resistance and operate without alarm. Year after year, decade after decade, this societal pressure builds, weighing heavily on us and shaping our sense of purpose. “It Takes A Toll,” as Richmond punk trio Artschool so aptly states on their latest single, adding their voice to the rising chorus of defiance echoing as the world reconciles the conformity of youth with the call for advocacy in adulthood. Direct and searing, it’s an exemplary punk creed that lodges itself into your consciousness, easing the weight of the workday with the promise of a new day. Out everywhere on Sunday, October 27th, The Auricular is proud to premiere this song today with an exclusive stream below, accompanied by an analysis on its rousing message.
Comprised of guitarist & vocalist Griffin Smalley, bassist Erin Dakota, and current drummer Tom Brown, Artschool is one of Richmond’s most exciting prospects. Since bursting onto the scene in 2023, the band has been wowing concertgoers with their explosive energy, fiery messages, and fearless attitude, all set to a classic punk sound that will thrill both new fans and dedicated veterans. Just a few days earlier, the band dropped their official debut single, “Outlaw To Myself,” a bold song that’s been a mainstay of their live set through performances all over the city. Featuring a pulsating riff that embodies their self-described “dropout spirit,” this song previously served as the opening track for their 2023 demo tape, aptly titled Right Off Of Work, which seamlessly transitions into this second single.
In “It Takes A Toll,” the opening verse paints a vivid picture of a weary worker staring down the anxiety of mounting debt (“It hurts my back and it hurts my knees\ Every second try to take it day by day\ Tomorrow’s got new bills to pay”). Delivered over a rhythm reminiscent of The Clash’s iconic cover of Junior Murvin’s “Police & Thieves,” the song sets itself apart as the latest entry in a rich tradition of musical rebellion that spans countless genres, from punk and ska all the way back to spirituals and folk tunes. While Murvin’s track focused on the oppression of a physical force, Artschool directs its critique toward the bourgeoisie and the everyday injustices faced by the working class.
“I wrote it as I began to feel the weight of being in the workforce,” Smalley shared. “[I] started taking jobs where my bosses didn’t care about me, where humanity was considered a luxury.” Many of the lyrics draw from real-life experiences, like “my boss’ boss don’t know my name,” inspired by a poorly spelled paycheck, and “I’ll go to the funeral if I get off work,” stemming from witnessing a manager reprimand a colleague for taking time off after a family death. “A few weeks later, I confronted this reality myself,” Smalley recounted, “as a close family member fell into a coma that seemed unlikely to end.”
Following that scene in the song, the tempo shifts, unleashing a surge of pent-up energy that brings forth its most powerful moment of indictment. “Look inside\ Price of suicide\ Twelve bucks an hour\ All it takes,” Smalley sings, echoing the melancholic side effect of this paycheck-to-paycheck lifestyle. While $12 is indeed above the current minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, it falls short of the proposed increase to $15 backed by liberal factions in the country. This figure starkly contrasts with the “true living wage” that many economists advocate for, which ranges between $20 and $26 depending on the state. Consider how we arrived at a point where a living wage of $26 is seemingly achievable with a mere $15, especially after years of stagnating at $7.50, and you’ll swiftly grasp the burden that this song poignantly critiques.
Yet, as with many harsh realities in this world, we often brush this aside, much like the song’s closing mantra of acceptance that reverts to its original groove. “The working world is brutal, cold, cruel,” Smalley remarked, “but I decided to close the song off with a promise to my mom: ‘I’m alright mama, I’m alright mama, mama I’m alright.'” It’s a concession in the face of oppression, a reality many are forced to navigate today. While change is possible, it will require more nuanced calls to action like this one to drive it forward. Fortunately for us, this is Artschool’s second single, so while you’re immersed in this outpouring of rank-and-file rage, rest assured that there’s much more on the horizon. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to fortify your spirit before and after the workday with this provoking punk pledge.
“It Takes A Toll” is out everywhere on Sunday, October 27th and you can catch Artschool in concert next on Saturday, October 26th at The Shakedown alongside Dayfiction and Half Chub. To stay up-to-date on future releases and announcements, make sure to follow the band on Instagram and Spotify.
