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Photo by Louise Desnos

Returning with their latest single, Astral Bakers’ "A Dog in a Manger," is an intricate exploration of jealousy, control, and quiet critique, wrapped in deceptively laidback indie-rock instrumentals. With drummer Zoé Hochberg stepping forward as lead vocalist for the first time, the song marks a defining evolution in the French quartet’s sound- one that’s both emotionally resonant and musically refined.

Inspired by the age-old fable, the song delves into the toxic grip of possessiveness: guarding something not for use, but to deny it from others. “The expression ‘a dog in a manger’ comes from a fable in which a dog jealously guards the hay in the stable, preventing other animals from eating it even though he has no use for it himself,” the band explains. “And yet, this is a radiant track, carried by a narrator who observes her character with distance and kindness, offering a barely veiled critique of the excesses of our society.”

That contrast- between biting commentary and soft delivery- is where the magic happens. Opening with an understated guitar and drum rhythm, the track lays a serene foundation that allows Zoé’s voice to float with clarity and purpose. The melancholic verses give way to an energizing chorus, with lush harmonies and layered instrumentation providing an emotional crescendo that mirrors the rising tension within the song’s theme. A subdued bridge momentarily strips things back, highlighting vulnerability before surging into a cathartic final chorus.

Merging elements of soft grunge, indie, and pop-rock, "A Dog in a Manger" showcases Astral Bakers’ ability to tackle complex emotions with grace. It’s a track that is a testament to the band’s lyrical and instrumental abilities, and as they continue to grow and experiment with new sounds, it is clear that Astral Baker’s have an even brighter future on the horizon.