Released on June 25, 2026, fittingly on George Orwell’s birthday, Problematic is Motihari Brigade’s third album and perhaps its most ambitious statement yet. Built around themes of censorship, propaganda, artificial intelligence, militarism, and technological dependence, the album embraces what the band calls “Rock-n-Roll Thoughtcrime.” Rather than offering answers, songwriter Eric Winston invites listeners to question assumptions and challenge consensus. The record blends classic rock energy, sharp guitar work, memorable hooks, and provocative lyricism into a cohesive journey that feels increasingly relevant in today’s algorithm-driven world.
1.Cowboy Armageddon: A brief but effective instrumental opener that feels like the beginning of a dystopian western film. The atmospheric guitar tones establish a sense of anticipation while setting the thematic stage for the rebellion, uncertainty, and questioning that follows throughout the album.
2. Problematic: The album’s centerpiece arrives with swagger and conviction. Driven by a powerful groove and memorable chorus, the song celebrates intellectual independence and nonconformity. Winston’s lyrics are witty and provocative, while the guitar work reinforces the track’s defiant attitude. A perfect mission statement
3. Chatbot Don’t Like It: One of the album’s most entertaining moments. The song transforms frustrations with automated systems and algorithmic gatekeeping into a humorous rock song. Its repetitive hooks, robotic phrases, and satirical writing create a track that is funny on the surface but deeply relevant underneath.
4. Save Ourselves: Built around a soaring chorus, this song examines society’s endless search for saviors and authority figures. The message is direct yet effective: responsibility ultimately belongs to us. Strong melodies and thoughtful lyrics combine to create one of the album’s most accessible highlights.
5. Not What They Seem: A darker and more reflective track that explores shifting realities and changing narratives. The lyrics reference philosophy, information overload, and cultural transformation while the music maintains a steady sense of tension. It rewards repeated listening as new ideas emerge.
6. The Great Refusal: Fueled by razor-sharp guitar riffs and relentless momentum, this track serves as a warning about conformity and technological control. Its satire is biting, its energy is infectious, and its urgency never fades. One of the strongest performances on the entire record.
7. Heedless of the Storm: The album’s longest composition unfolds like an extended Socratic inquiry. Rather than making declarations, it asks difficult questions about conflict, power, media narratives, and public opinion. The repetitive questioning becomes increasingly powerful as the song gathers emotional weight.
8. Ten Years Time: Serving as the companion piece to the previous track, this song reflects on the aftermath of war and political decisions. Its perspective is sobering, examining how history often forgets the people who paid the highest price. Thoughtful, haunting, and emotionally resonant.
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9. Fortunate Son: Motihari Brigade’s explosive interpretation of the Creedence Clearwater Revival classic fits seamlessly into the album’s themes. The performance retains the original’s rebellious spirit while reinforcing the record’s broader critique of power, privilege, and militarism.
10. Pleasure Craft: One of the album’s most inventive songs. Wrapped in catchy hooks and playful rhythms, it explores addiction to convenience, entertainment, and digital gratification. Beneath the infectious energy lies a sharp critique of technology’s ability to quietly shape human behavior.
11. Problematic (Reprise): A concise return to the album’s central motif. The familiar groove and recurring lyrical themes provide a satisfying bridge toward the album’s conclusion. It reinforces the record’s message without overstaying its welcome.
12. Someone’s Dream: The album closes on a surprisingly emotional note. Moving away from social commentary, the song reflects on memory, relationships, and the desire to remain part of someone’s story. The atmospheric production gives it a dreamlike quality that lingers long after it ends.
13. Chatbot Don’t Like It (Radio Edit): A playful bonus track that revisits one of the album’s most memorable songs. While shorter and cleaner, it preserves the satire and humor that made the original version so effective.
Problematic succeeds because it refuses to function as passive background music. Every track encourages listeners to think, question, and engage. While the album’s themes draw inspiration from Orwellian ideas, its concerns feel rooted firmly in the present. Strong songwriting, memorable guitar work, clever satire, and a fearless commitment to intellectual curiosity make this one of Motihari Brigade’s most compelling releases to date. In an era increasingly shaped by algorithms and manufactured consensus, Problematic proudly chooses to be exactly what its title suggests.
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