With their latest single “Liberal Anthem” (September 1, 2025), Polish father-son duo Transgalactica continue their mission of merging progressive rock with thought-provoking ideas. Known for drawing inspiration from the writings of psychologist and linguist Steven Pinker, the Krakow-based project is no ordinary rock act. Instead, Transgalactica crafts music that is both intellectually engaging and musically adventurous, with Liberal Anthem serving as one of their most ambitious offerings to date.
At its core, Liberal Anthem is exactly what its title suggests: a rallying cry for humanistic values. The lyrics imagine the creation of a symbolic “Church of John Stuart Smith,” a reminder that liberalism—as a philosophy—champions human rights, dignity, progress, and universal wellbeing. The song pushes back against cynicism and populist despair, insisting instead on the nobility of ideas that celebrate freedom and humanity.
While the concept might sound lofty, the delivery feels grounded in both passion and urgency. Transgalactica doesn’t simply preach—they embed their message in a musical structure that mirrors the ideological journey from tension to release, from doubt to hope.
Musically, Liberal Anthem is layered and dynamic. Built on a strong guitar riff, the track balances hard rock grit with progressive flourishes. Some early listeners have compared sections to Marillion, a fitting reference given the blend of soaring instrumental passages and philosophical depth.
One of the song’s most compelling elements is its modulation from minor to major toward the end, symbolizing the shift from uncertainty to optimism. The closing section revisits the opening stanza—its melody loosely inspired by the Velvet Underground’s All Tomorrow’s Parties—but transforms it into something more hopeful, even triumphant. It’s a clever musical device that reinforces the lyrical message: despair can give way to progress, and dissonance can resolve into harmony.
Interestingly, the band also nods to tradition, weaving in inspiration from the 16th-century Polish folk song “Hej żeglujże, żeglarzu.” This detail adds historical weight, connecting modern liberal thought to deeper cultural roots. It’s this kind of musical and intellectual layering that makes Transgalactica stand out in today’s rock landscape.
Transgalactica is the brainchild of Tomasz Bieroń, a celebrated Polish translator, and his son Filip. In 2022, inspired by Filip’s encouragement, Tomasz decided to turn his fascination with Pinker’s writings—particularly The Better Angels of Our Nature and Enlightenment Now—into music. With Pinker’s blessing, the duo began writing songs that channel these ideas into progressive rock soundscapes.
Their debut album Better Angels (2023) introduced listeners to their unique approach, with tracks tackling themes like pessimism in public discourse (Dance Macabre) and the struggles of modern musicianship (Marginal Music). Now, with Chilean vocalist Lukky Sparxx adding new depth to their material, Transgalactica is rereleasing earlier songs while simultaneously building toward their second album, Onwards and Upwards, set for release in December 2025.
Liberal Anthem is not a casual listen—it’s a piece that asks the audience to reflect, to wrestle with ideas, and to find meaning in both the words and the music. Yet it is also undeniably stirring, offering moments of grandeur that feel almost cinematic. In its fusion of rock tradition, intellectual ambition, and cultural homage, the song succeeds as both a musical achievement and a philosophical statement.
For those searching for progressive rock that dares to think as much as it feels, Transgalactica’s “Liberal Anthem” hits the mark. It is a reminder that music can still carry weight, spark thought, and inspire hope.
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