Seattle darkwave artist Mutual Shock, the project of Dan Powers, has released “Charlatans,” a new single from the forthcoming EP Tools of Western Aggression. The track targets corrupt elites and kleptocrats through restrained, menacing production featuring serpentine basslines, glowering analogue synths, and crisp drums from Max Zara Bernstein. The song balances angelic judgment with demonic whispers while exploring themes of public trust erosion and complicity. Mixed by Matt Bayles and mastered by Rachel Field, the track channels influences from Black Marble, Molchat Doma, Nine Inch Nails, and Cabaret Voltaire. Director Tess Martin’s accompanying video eschews typical protest imagery, instead using macro photography of reactive liquids and oils to visualize corruption as unstable molecular systems. The piece combines electronic coldwave aesthetics with sharp social commentary, positioning itself as protest music for a largely indifferent audience.
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