Ekko Astral – “Pomegranate Tree”

DC’s Ekko Astral unleashed the tremendous debut pink balloons in April, earning them a Band To Watch title. The punks shared “Holocaust Remembrance Day” in June, and two members exited the band in September. However, the momentum persists today with the release of their colossal new song “Pomegranate Tree.”

“It’s exhaustingly heartbreaking to watch a symbol of your childhood community transform into a symbol for genocide, or to watch people you used to respect defend the actions of an extremist right-wing government,” drummer Miri Tyler said of the track, continuing:

Jael and I grew up Jewish in America. We were taught we had a “homeland” that we had an obligation to. We were *not* taught about the human beings that lived there prior. We were taught to celebrate victories. We were taught simply that they hated us. We were taught that this violence was righteous. But there is no such thing as righteous genocide, and experts around the world agree — including Jewish survivors of the Holocaust — the violence being carried out by the IOF is indeed genocidal. And the fact that these atrocities are being carried out in the name of our faith, culture, and community — well, it’s enough to keep us up at night.

“Pomegranate Tree” shows love for hometown heroes Fugazi with volatile, brooding bass. At over six minutes, the tune is a cathartic, moving sprawl, especially as it explodes into whirring pandemonium. Listen below.