"We are pissed and we came here to dance."
So reads the last line of the synopsis to Love Without Domination, the newest, largest, and arguably most political release by Los Angeles-based label Zoom Lens. With a title referencing Jenny Zhang’s essay "Against Extinction", Love Without Domination is a 22-track charity compilation from artists across diverse genres of local and international fame, galvanized by recent events and connected by an urgency to create sounds of protest. New songs featured include Meishi Smile‘s post-industrial catharsis "Hate Floods Slow", as well as contributions by Plaster Cast & The Sleep, Thought Tempo, and Magic is Real. New local artist debuts include the noise rock duo Comrade(s) and post-techno producer pleasure promenade.
The release of Love Without Domination comes at a precarious time for artist communities, only one week since the tragic fire in an Oakland DIY space and one month following results of the 2016 presidential election. But in spite of these troubling events, in spite of increased crackdowns on DIY spaces and rising hate crimes, Zoom Lens compels listeners to act against the oppression and injustice of marginalized communities through nuanced self-expression.
"Through art, make dialogue and break boundaries. When dealing with an oppressive force who is meant to pacify our feelings, self-expression is rebellion. Utilize your skills, your privileges, and your strengths in all forms. Militarize yourself with unforgiving self-love and radical passion. "
Love Without Domination is free to stream and available to purchase—listeners can name their price, and all proceeds will go to fund the non-profit organizations ACLU, Border Angels, and Planned Parenthood. – Ryan Mo, Album Art by Brian Vu