“Sugar/Tzu” is a standout single by English experimental rock band black midi, released in July 2022 as part of their third album, Hellfire. The song is a frenetic, genre-blurring piece that fuses jazz fusion, post-punk, and math rock elements, showcasing the band’s technical prowess and theatrical storytelling236.
Story and Themes
The narrative of “Sugar/Tzu” centers on a futuristic boxing match set in the year 2163, featuring two 600-pound fighters: Sun Sugar and Sun Tzu. Sun Tzu is inspired by the famed Chinese general, while Sun Sugar draws from the legacy of legendary boxers like Sugar Ray Robinson and Sugar Ray Leonard3467. The match takes a dark turn when a young boy in the audience assassinates one of the contenders, believing he’s giving the crowd the brutal spectacle they secretly desire27. This twist explores themes of violence, spectacle, and the complex psychology of audiences craving dramatic, even violent, entertainment27.
“There is a little joke here. It is regular for a boxing audience to bemoan an early stoppage...there seems to be often left unsaid the fact that we actually do want to see a brutal knockout...The boy in this story feels he is a hero for giving the crowd what they all really want.”27
Musical Composition
- Instrumentation: The track features rapid tempo shifts, explosive brass, virtuosic drumming, and intricate guitar work, moving between calm, restrained sections and chaotic, discordant outbursts68.
- Arrangement: The song’s structure mirrors the unpredictability of a boxing match, with sudden changes in intensity and mood267.
- Performance: The band’s tight musicianship and dynamic interplay are frequently highlighted by critics as a testament to their technical and creative abilities178.
Reception and Impact
- Critical Acclaim: “Sugar/Tzu” is often cited as a high point of Hellfire, praised for its ambitious narrative and musical complexity167.
- Music Video: The visually striking video directed by Noel Paul won “Best Cinematography in a Video” at the 2022 UK Music Video Awards29.
- Live Performances: The song is known for its energy and unpredictability when performed live, often featuring extended improvisation8.
“Sugar/Tzu” stands as a testament to black midi’s ability to merge storytelling, technical skill, and genre experimentation into a thrilling, thought-provoking package2367.
