It's a test is about self-control as survival tactic, and the self-editing we've all done at one point to avoid scaring people away with our (totally normal) wants or needs - trimming our personalities, holding our breath, curtailing our own lives. Who hasn't had a relationship like that? It's a dynamic that's present in wider, structural relationships, too - out of power groups do all kinds of self-editing to avoid scaring in-power groups, because scaring them can have terrifying results.
Accompanying the release is an ambitious video which brings eight canonical artworks to life, reimagining the women subjects as empowered and more fully human. Some engage in destruction, some seek escape, and some take revenge. Like real people, and not vessels for the egos of male artists. Lead singer/songwriter Kirini O. K. is also a visual artist, and the video is fueled by her outrage at the tyranny of male genius in art history and present. Kritters are strong adherents of a philosophy they call D.I.YES, which in practice means they designed and built the sets, created the costumes, and filmed and edited the video entirely themselves.
lyrics
It’s a trap it’s a trap it’s a test
it’s a trap it’s a trap it’s a test
it’s a trap it’s a trap it’s a test
It’s a trap it’s a trap it’s a test
if you just stay cool
and you don’t say anything
then he won’t run away
then he won’t run away
if you just stay cool
and you don’t say anything
then he won’t run away
then he won’t run away
oh tear it down
let it go
let it go
oh tear it down
let it go
let it go
if you keep real still
and you stop breathing
then he won’t run away
then he won’t run away
if you keep real still
and you stop breathing
then he won’t run away
then he won’t run away
oh tear it down
let it go
let it go
oh tear it down
let it go
let it go
it’s a trap it’s a trap it’s a test
it’s a trap it’s a trap it’s a test
it’s a trap it’s a trap it’s a test
it’s a trap it’s a trap it’s a test
credits
from It's a Trap,
released September 15, 2021
Written, arranged, and recorded by Kritters.
Kritters are Kirini O. K. & Rob Steadman
Lyrics and songwriting - Kirini O. K.
Songwriting, engineering, and production - Rob Steadman
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