June 2025

"Sacred Light" uses classic American musical forms to illuminate the systematic erosion of democratic foundations. The track contrasts current manipulation with traditional civic values to identify specific democratic principles under threat.

From Snake Oil Sleuth's "System Identification" EP - Warning Signal #011

• • • — — — • • •

Sacred Light

A beachside blockade on manipulation. Wrapped in bright tropical beats and steel drums, this is a high-energy rejection of digital disinformation and mind control. It's the sound of cutting off the feed and dancing your way into cognitive liberation.

Snake Oil Embargo

What do we feed our minds after the snake oil runs dry? This track answers with books, conversations, history, and hard-won clarity. With acoustic warmth and global percussion, “Alternative Mind Fuel” offers sustenance for a post-embargo world. It’s not just a song—it’s a way forward.

Alternative Mind Fuel

"Be Not Afraid" confronts elected officials who profess Christian faith while enabling authoritarianism through their silence. Inspired by the folk protest tradition of Dylan and Baez, this signal challenges lawmakers like Sen. Lisa Murkowski who recently admitted "We are all afraid" despite their religious convictions. The title echoes a phrase appearing over 300 times in Biblical texts – a reminder that genuine faith demands courage in the face of tyranny. As the lines between church and state blur in America, this warning signal calls faith-professing politicians to live what they preach: "Stand now. Stand today."

Be Not Afraid

Pure instrumental funk celebration featuring infectious groove-based constitutional resistance. Syncopated rhythm guitar and slapping electric bass drive the foundation, punctuated by crisp brass stabs and tight, punchy drums. Classic organ layers and lively percussion create irresistible energy, with dynamic instrumental solos adding flair between explosive breakdowns and triumphant returns. Transforms protest into party, ending the EP with pure musical joy and empowerment.

Freedom Jam (Wide Awake)

Hybrid rock anthem designed for immediate crowd engagement and protest rally energy. 

Emergency Transmission (Wide Awak)

Country-rock protest anthem connecting 1776 revolutionary spirit to modern constitutional crisis. Features working-class narrator with veteran's concern, delivering "this ain't what we fought for" energy through steel guitar, harmonica, and patriotic resolve. Raw, honest constitutional anger rooted in colonial resistance tradition, targeting rural conservatives and heartland America.

Heartland Warning (Wide Awake)

Intimate piano ballad showcasing vulnerable female vocals delivering heartbreaking constitutional reflection. Distant revolutionary war drums fade to haunting solo piano, showing democracy's personal cost through tender but determined lens. Sparse arrangement with subtle strings, channeling revolutionary spirit through grief rather than anger. Constitutional "Mad World" energy perfect for reflective moments.

Democracy's Lament (Wide Awake)

Sophisticated yacht rock satire in 8/6 time featuring smooth production and elegant arrangements delivering devastating personal takedown. Musical irony at its finest - pretentious luxury sound for unpretentious subject matter. Complete contrast to urgent constitutional warnings, reducing authoritarian threat to human scale through sophisticated ridicule.

Tiny Little Man

Genre-defying protest anthem blending industrial punk, hip-hop, country, and prog rock into an unforgettable constitutional warning. Opens with metallic industrial rhythms and fuzzy guitars, building through conscious rap verses over bluesy alt rock, surging into anthemic country harmonies with handclaps. Unexpected time signature changes and soaring prog rock leads culminate in explosive unison chant. A bold, unifying musical coalition reflecting the diverse resistance movement.

Rally-March Soundtrack (Wide Awake)

Snake Oil Sleuth: Warning System Activated Transmitting alerts about contemporary false prophets since 2025. SOS: Sending warning signals when systems fail to protect truth. • • • — — — • • •

Democracy's Lament (Wide Awake)

Snake Oil Sleuth

Related tracks