Australian jazz-pop collective Extra Time is back with “It’s Time,” the fourth video release from their acclaimed album Songs With Long Titles. The video, animated by Brazilian videographer Gabriel Gareso, adds a unique visual layer to a track that tackles pressing societal issues, particularly the limitations imposed on voters in Western democracies.
The song delves into the control exerted by party machines in the democratic process, where voters are often left with limited choices, symbolized by the metaphor of “flip a coin every four years for red or blue.” As Brendan McNamara, the band’s lyricist and frontman, reflects, the system is designed to keep voters powerless while politicians, swayed by vested interests, continue to dominate the political landscape. The song challenges the antiquated mechanisms of democracy, raising questions like why, in an era of digital innovation, citizens still endure outdated voting systems.
It’s Time is part of Extra Time’s latest album, Songs With Long Titles, which blends classic rock, jazz, and blues influences in the vein of Steely Dan, Supertramp, and Sting. The album was recorded live to 2″ tape, capturing the raw, unfiltered energy of the band’s performances, without the use of click tracks or Auto-Tune. The track reflects not just on societal issues but also embodies a call for change, urging listeners to rethink outdated political structures.
With “It’s Time” and their previous releases, Extra Time continues to offer thought-provoking music wrapped in captivating melodies, proving their place in the international music scene.
