If there's going to be a fourth wave of ska (a "ska-naissance," if you will), then Bright Eyes want to be at the front of it. Today, the indie band surprise released "1st World Blues", an off-beat, horns-filled lament of American capitalism and culture.

The music video was directed by Jared Sherbert, and it features animations drawn by Sparks Studios. Watch/listen below:

“‘1st World Blues’ is an homage to ska in all its waves,” says the band via press release. “From Desmond Decker to Tim Armstrong, we’re just happy to add our track to the bin. The video is inspired by NYC 90s hip hop, which like ska, has a long tradition of unifying people & using celebratory music to convey subversive political themes. To be played loud. Windows down. Summertime.”

Lyrically, the song attempts to flatten feelings of despair into comical fits thrown at department stores and city sidewalks – the only public places lyricist and front man Conor Oberst mentions in the track. One notable verse goes:

"I was talking crazy down at Old Navy / I was feeling despondent at Hot Topic / C—g myself in the bathroom at The Gap / With the red snapback Tucker Carlson hat / Banana Republic you‘ll learn to love it."

Yet, amidst the references to right-wing pundits, the sportswear brands, trust funds, and the "rich boy blues," Oberst picks at the feeling of total alienation. He sings as the central hook, "You’re just a tool that’s never gonna get used."

Bright Eyes will continue their tour next month, traveling to cities across the US and Canada before heading to Japan. Tickets are available now.

Tour dates:

08/26 Ojai, CA @ Libbey Bowl
08/27 Sonoma, CA @ Gundlach Bundschu Winery
08/28 Forest Grove, OR @ McMenamins Grand Lodge
08/29 Vancouver, BC @ Malkin Bowl
08/30 Seattle, WA @ Bumbershoot 2025
09/01 Boise, ID @ Treefort Music Hall
09/02 Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
09/03 Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues Las Vegas
11/27 Singapore, Singapore @ Capitol Theatre
12/03 Osaka, Japan @ Yogibo META VALLEY
12/04 Tokyo, Japan @ EX THEATER ROPPONGI

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