black midi – “Eat Men Eat”

Atiba Jefferson

black midi – “Eat Men Eat”

Atiba Jefferson

Last month, black midi returned with news of their third album, Hellfire, quick followup to last year’s Cavalcade. At the time, they also shared lead single “Welcome To Hell.” Today, they’re back with another one.

black midi’s latest is called “Eat Men Eat.” The song features flamenco elements, and was one of the new songs black midi had been playing on the road (then under the code name “Flamenco”). It also connects back to the Cavalcade track “Diamond Stuff,” referencing the Red River Mining Company. Like “Diamond Stuff,” this one is a Cameron Picton composition. Here’s what he had to say about it:

The story starts in the desert with two men engaged in a desperate search for missing friends. Their quest leads them to a strange mining facility which, despite a dearth of natural resources in the area, opens its doors for even stranger hosts to welcome them.

That evening, with zero sign of their friends, a massive feast is laid on by the mineʼs cantankerous Captain, who performs a long speech encouraging all to indulge as this is to be the workersʼ last night before returning to their families. With good reason for suspicion the protagonists feign gluttony and consume as little as humanly possible. Unfortunately, as they later find, even thatʼs not quite enough. Night falls, they hide and as the workers fall comatose the wardens, overseen by the Captain, make preparations to pump their poisoned stomachs. It turns out the purpose of the mine is to procure an excess of human stomach acid used in the production of a bastardized blood red wine, sold and loved in the region.

After the wider conspiracy is revealed and upon realizing their friends must be long gone, the partners decide they must destroy the facility. A spanner plugs the works however, as one of the men experiences mild effects of the poison and the production of acid in his stomach goes into overdrive. As his chest literally bubbles he says what may be his final goodbyes to his partner and the other man is left to do the heavy lifting alone.

He succeeds and as they flee, arm in arm, the demon Captain erupts from the burning embers and curses the two men to the hell of crippling acid reflux for the rest of their days. They see no reason to worry though, as theyʼre sure to return home hailed as heroes.

“Eat Men Eat” features Demi Garcia Sabat providing percussion, and more than 50 fan recordings submitted and layered into the song’s conclusion. It also comes with a video directed by Maxim Kelly. Check it out below.

Hellfire is out 7/15 via Rough Trade. Pre-order it here.

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