Ralph Of London – "Carnival"
A Call for Vegan Consciousness
Ralph Of London's latest single, "Carnival", is a powerful statement of ethical defiance, a call to consciousness, and an artistic embodiment from the centre of the vegan movement. At its core, "Carnival" intertwines introspective lyricism with a broader socio-political message, urging listeners to reject the exploitation of all life forms and embrace a more compassionate existence.
With the title, the project made a deeply symbolic choice. Stemming from the Latin term meaning "to be without flesh", "Carnival" is traditionally associated with fasting and transformation. Ralph Of London are reclaiming this meaning, positioning veganism as the ultimate act of awareness that transcends dietary choices to encompass a rejection of systemic violence, whether in war, industry, or everyday consumption.
"Throw off the yolk of yesterday"
Sonically, "Carnival" oscillates between dreamy melancholia and a surging urgency, mirroring the personal struggle and broader awakening inherent in the vegan journey. The verses are pensive and self-exploratory, tracing the internal conflicts of identity and morality, while the chorus bursts forth as a defiant rallying cry: "Throw off the yolk of yesterday". The phrase is a clever double entendre, evoking the weight of past conditioning and the literal rejection of animal-derived sustenance.
Beyond its lyrical depth, "Carnival" extends its activism into the visual sphere. The accompanying video shot in 16mm and Super 8mm film, is a collaboration between three animal rights groups from France and Belgium. It seamlessly weaves activism scenes and stark reminders of historical violence—notably through its haunting footage at the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme. By juxtaposing human and non-human suffering, Ralph Of London are highlighting a crucial, often-ignored parallel: the ease with which societies normalise and justify harm when life is commodified and taken for granted.
In a time when cognitive dissonance runs deep—where people are simultaneously aware of environmental collapse, mass exploitation, and their own complicity—the duo chooses not just to make music but at the same time to fight for change. "Carnival" is Ralph Of London's first overt declaration that veganism is not simply a lifestyle choice but a necessary step towards a just and sustainable world.
A song against the widespread cognitive dissonance of our times
With their single Ralph Of London released on 21st March, ahead of the upcoming EP "The Frontline", it's clear that this project is not merely here to entertain but to challenge, provoke, and inspire. "Carnival" is an urgent reminder that true freedom, celebration, and progress come only when we live without flesh—in every sense.
Ralph Of London is the project of British musician and songwriter Ralph Phillips, who is known for his cross-genre sound with his partner in crime, Diane. With roots in the UK and France, they craft a unique fusion of indie rock, new wave, and art-pop, delivering music that is both thought-provoking and sonically adventurous. With the upcoming EP, "The Frontline", Ralph and Diane want to delve further into the topics of veganism and animal rights. According to the band's statement, they aren't afraid to challenge the status quo.
