Death From Below

[StephenM]

When I picked up my epiphone nighthawk last week to play something simple I didn't see this coming.  But one thing led to the other.

In the murky depths, we hedge our bets that our lives won't soon be over. 
Too deep for radar, it's hard to find us on sonar.  Cat and mouse. 

Who will lose the race?  Ever escalating nuclear missiles proliferating, who will lose the race?  Everybody's in now.  Send over a helicopter, to dip its sensor even farther.  Kind of like a high stake poker game, nobody can win.  But you can't find us underwater.
Enough wrecking power to destroy most any country.  Fuck with us enough we'll bring the doomsday thunder.  The Brits are the best.  Glad they are a friend.  The US is second but we got the biggest power. The Russian's are collapsing, that makes them dangerous.  Will anyone escape?  Are we all going under?
It's called the silent service for a reason.  Ask any sub sailor, he won't tell you his secrets.  But informed people know these machines exist for only 1 reason.  That my friend is to bring death from below.  In the end, nobody can win.  But you can't find us underwater.   
Fly missile fly.  Bring death across the sky.  Kiss all this innocence.  Wave goodbye.  It ain't a joke.  You'll go up in a puff of smoke. 

Epiphone Nighthawk 1 rhythm tracks, 2 lead.
Shecter bass played with pick. 
drums from Casio Privia Keyboard
various sound effects generated some from internet
2 vocal tracks with MXL condenser mic.
recorded on Zoom L-20.
Mixed on Audacity and Bandlab.  Mastered with Landr

[Zoltan]

Chris Rea goes Submarine! That's the short review of this song.
Instead of Road to Hell we're going underwater with Death From Below.
I thought i heard a dirty word. I did.

That Nighthawk holds deep thoughts.

[Farrell Jackson]

Hey Stephen, I like all those special effects you've tossed in! You have a cool narrative voice. The Epi Nighthawk has a fine gritty rhythm tone. The lead guitar work gives it an eerie vibe and then the explosion...BAM! You're lyrics read like the current events...now where did I place that bomb shelter? 

[Mike_S]

This is excellent Steve. I try and keep track of what's going on in the Ukraine and it's scary. Bonkers in fact. But just so sad that all our lives depend on the sanity of a handful of powerful men. Great track though, a little like listening to a musical version of a movie, it kept my attention waiting to hear what came next. Cool stuff.

Mike

[Trist]

won me over with the brits are the best line like that poetic start, gives me  paul hardcastle vibe with the spoken word and political theme . nice guitar near the end really suited the track

[SE]

Just got stand back and say you production is terrific.
Well done!!

[Ray Brookes]

Scary themes and presented perfectly, Stephen. I'd be a screaming wreck on a sub. Love that guitar soloing at the end.

[TPB]

Yes sir the subbers are a special breed dont think I could hack be under the deep that long dark subject well delivered
tim

[Ted]

What inspired this? Did YouTube randomly suggest to you some military-themed video (as it did to me recently)?

The extreme panning of the vocals parts creates the feeling like one of those movie scenes that takes place in a house of mirrors. You're never sure where the bad guy is – even though you can see them clearly. And the driving rhythm has relentlessness to it: It's going to get you. Don't pretend that you are safe, anywhere.

I just checked to see if Madagascar has a submarine. Uh. No. Fourth largest island in the world has a fleet of seven boats – no submarines.

[StephenM]

What inspired this? Did YouTube randomly suggest to you some military-themed video (as it did to me recently)?

The extreme panning of the vocals parts creates the feeling like one of those movie scenes that takes place in a house of mirrors. You're never sure where the bad guy is – even though you can see them clearly. And the driving rhythm has relentlessness to it: It's going to get you. Don't pretend that you are safe, anywhere.

I just checked to see if Madagascar has a submarine. Uh. No. Fourth largest island in the world has a fleet of seven boats – no submarines.

I say this with all humility Ted:  I served aboard 4 nuclear submarines, 3 attack SSN's and 1 Boomer (Missile Boat) SSBN.  I went in 1978 2 years of school then spent 12 years of my life underwater during a 20 year Navy career, all in support of submarines and their operation.  I was in the cold war against the USSR and observed things up close and personal.  I kind of always wanted to write some songs about it.  Since the Ukraine invasion I think these themes are on everyone's minds again.  One thing led to the other regarding the song.  I sometimes like telling stories with music that are embellished by the effects.  I once spent 105 straight days under water and 5 out of 6 months.  So that might explain alot about my views and the music I do sometimes.... I am not a war monger by any means.  I hate the idea of fighting at all...but i do believe in defense because that is the  world we live in.  Hope this answers your question.