So, it’s not exactly going great.

The “it” in question is the general state of, well, everything. Regardless of wherever one may be in the world, a near-uniform set of societal issues splatters itself across the world like spilled ink. Those who are meant to lead lie, the rising cost of living has ground people down, and the myriad of structures that work against justice remain firmly in place. In short, it’s a darker world today than it was yesterday.
That’s not lost on Andrew Tschiltsch, the frontman of the Chicago-based punk outfit, Microcosms. The band has channeled a cocktail of societal frustrations into “Great Country,” the lead single from the band’s forthcoming EP 'Crying Laughing Here With You.'

“Great Country” is a searing rocker that holds America to account for failing to deliver on its credo of being “the land of the free."
How can a country with a web of systems that prevents people improving their lot in life be “the land of the free?”. While there was no single aspect of American life that inspired the lyrics, the fraudulent stock market, lack of access to what should be basic human rights, and blatant hypocrisy at the highest level all leave their mark on the track’s DNA.

“It’s the saying one thing but doing another that drives me crazy,” Tschiltsch says on the track. “A lot of these lyrics serve as a general referendum on most of the shit I think is wrong with this country.”
With lyrics examining mass incarceration, excessive military funding, and alack of free healthcare, Tschiltsch leaves no stone unturned. The cocktail of inspirations means “Great Country” is a meatier alternative to the general bread-and-butter “mad at the world” punk track. Tschiltsch lets the listener in on specific key issues that lie close to his heart, painting a clear portrait of what inspires his art and activism alike. The level of candidness that’s shared with the listener in “Great Country” aligns with the ethos of Microcosms as a whole: They’re a true DIY band, and the inherently hands-on and personal approach yields lyrics that truly come from the heart.

Crucially, “Great Country” sees Microcosms pair punk with privilege acknowledgement, which is often seldom seen in protest music.
“As a cis white man making songs about how shitty the powerful people of society treat everyone, I often feel like the meme of the guy in the hot dog suit like 'we're all looking for the guy who did this,'” Tschiltsch shares. “But I feel like if more people in my position could acknowledge the big head start we've had in life, then we can begin to make real change to make life better for those who don't.”