Brooklyn-based project OPACT (pronounced OPA-C-T or Opacity) is the brainchild of Franco-American musician JMA689. He started writing new material earlier this year following the hiatus of his previous band. OPACT is a ‘dystopian post-punk’ project that finds its roots in both the guitar-based post-punk world, and in a more electronic environment. With the help of West Coast producer Monte Vallier (The Soft Moon, Houses of Heaven, Topographies…), it fuses human sensibilities with more mechanical and cold elements.

“Phantom Parasite” is the second single from the forthcoming EP “Undercurrent” (to be released this fall). Recorded in NYC and mixed in San Francisco, the title and idea behind the track originated from reading an article about the suicide note (purposely) left behind by tech mogul John McAfee before his untimely death. It sparked some lyrics about a ‘phantom parasite’ (mentioned on the first line of the note), which is a delusional infestation that causes people to have a false and persistent belief that they are infested with parasites, bugs, or other organisms. It can be perceived as a metaphor for the incessant flow of news, fake news, and conspiracy theories that people are subjected to on a daily basis through social media, media, and by any organization with some kind of agenda.

The music revolves around a very mechanical beat and a hypnotic bass line. Ominous synths and ghostly guitars provide some additional dark textures to the mix. The hazy vocals drift in and out of the song, like an imaginary parasite taking hold of one’s brain... The video for the track (another DIY effort) is a black-and-white affair that looks like a dream where everyday life merges with the nightmares of mental illness.