Jacksonville, FL Alternative Rock project PHARMACOSE released their newest single, “Obey.” Dark, gritty, and atmospheric, with an underlying tension that will appeal to fans of such similarly incisive orchestrators as NINE INCH NAILS and TOOL, “Obey” is an exploration of corporate corruption in the modern age. “Obey” is the second single off of the band’s ongoing new concept project, Ascension’s Constraint, which is due for full release throughout 2022.
“’Obey’ is the second song from our project Ascension’s Constraint, a concept album accompanied by a serialized novel. The plan is to release a song and a part of the novel each month, with ‘Obey’ being the first single to accompany the first part of the book. Although I’m going to try to match up the songs with the theme of the book, ‘Obey’ and “Cleanse You” were written before Ascension’s Constraint was really fleshed out, so they are more setting up the theme for the book.
Set about 50 or so years from now after our currency has collapsed, a group of mega-corporations has stepped in to manage governmental functions, both locally and federally; they did not do so altruistically, as you can imagine. There is all sorts of espionage going on as corporations try to get the better of each other, and our protagonist, Alex Hobbes, gets caught up in one of their plots. If I had to classify it, I’d call it a sci-fi thriller.
As for the song, it was one that Lu Rubino, Pharmacose’s original producer and one of my very good friends, had been working on for another project. It didn’t work for that project, so Lu asked if it would be a good fit for us. I loved it. I think we made some very slight changes to the arrangement, but Lu had spent so much time on it already that there wasn’t a whole lot to be done aside from recording the vocals. Overall, I think it has an evolved sound that you may hear in later songs we release.” – WES JONES
Click to Purchase / Stream “Obey”
OnlineClick to Purchase and Read ‘Ascension’s Constraint’ Part 1 Online
Pharmacose is a collaborative alternative rock project hailing from Jacksonville, FL, that combines steadfast analog sounds with cutting edge flair. The project– a portmanteau of “pharmaceutical” and “comatose” –began as a collaborative effort between Jones and producer and bassist Lucio Rubino. Frequent collaborators include drummer Albert Cruz and guitarist Kevin Horne, who also round out their live act. They have previously released material under the name Digital Array.
Jones, a Memphis native, formed Pharmacose in 2017 with producer Lu Rubino shortly after moving to Jacksonville to pursue new career opportunities. Rubino, a veteran producer and bassist, has worked with Paramore, Storyside B, and The Showdown, among many others. Their creative process was chiefly inspired by Jones, a medical doctor, and his past struggles with mental illness.
Drawing on such themes as reintegration to life in the wake of acute mental health episodes and the side effects of psychiatric medication, Pharmacose wields their brand of rock to let those suffering from mental illness to know that they are not alone. The result is a powerful, explosive lyrical journey into the depths of existence that would appeal to fans of Queens of the Stone Age, Porcupine Tree, Starset, Chevelle, The Mars Volta, and beyond.
By confronting anger, shame, and ultimately galvanizing hope, Pharmacose advocates for the awareness of mental health. Through vibrant soundscapes suffused with riveting synth. The group hopes to empower people to seek help, push through, and move from isolation toward connection.
Pharmacose released Prescription Fiction, Part 1, in 2020. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, they were gearing up to play live shows in anticipation of the release of part 2. With the subsequent lockdowns canceling those shows, Jones decided to begin working on new material and used the time to explore new sounds and assume a greater role in production. The result is several new songs, which ultimately completed Prescription Fiction as an entire album, rather than a separate chapter.
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