OF LIMBO Take On Gaslighting With Slow-Burning New Track “Joke’s On You”

Long Beach, CA band Of Limbo’s latest single, “Joke’s On You,” is a raw, unapologetic smack in the face—a sonic punch that blends hauntingly stripped-back acoustics with the grit of a band who’s always been about more than just the riff. Drawing from the deep well of 90s grunge and packing a gut-punch of modern angst, this track lands like a confession you can’t quite shake off. With its impending release as part of the upcoming OF LIMBO Unplugged album, the band shifts gears, shedding their electric armor for a more intimate yet equally powerful sound.

“Joke’s On You” is a slow burn, unraveling the toxic manipulation of a relationship with all the subtlety of a sucker-punch. Lead singer Jake Davies pulls no punches, drawing the line between vulnerability and dominance with a ferocity that’s both disturbing and captivating. The song’s dark core comes from its exploration of gaslighting, with lyrics like “You’re holding for the moment I turn my back / You slowly slip the knife in / You’re having a laugh,” cutting straight to the heart of betrayal. There’s no sugarcoating here—just brutal, heartbreaking imagery that paints a picture of emotional warfare, expertly conveyed by Davies’ jagged vocals that shatter as much as they soar.

But the heart of the track isn’t just its soul-crushing examination of deceit. It’s in the defiance that creeps through the chorus: “Crying on the outside / Laughing on the in.” This isn’t just a recognition of the pain; it’s a call to arms. The repeated line, “The joke’s on you,” is the perfect middle finger to anyone who’s ever been caught in the web of someone else’s mind games, a reminder that you’re always in control, even when they’ve tried to make you doubt it.

“Joke’s On You” slinks between the shadows of acoustic intimacy and the fire of a full-blown rock anthem, drawing you in with its stark simplicity. It’s a perfect sonic canvas for the song’s emotional depth, with every strum and beat resonating with an intensity that matches the heavy themes. There’s a vulnerability here that feels like a confessional, yet a strength in the stripped-down approach that brings the rawness to the forefront.

And then there’s the music video —a DIY, no-frills affair shot entirely on an iPhone 14 at a park near their mother’s home in Australia while there for a family visit. It’s the perfect visual representation of the band’s “we don’t need anyone to tell us how to do this” ethos, amplifying the track’s already unvarnished quality with an authenticity that makes it feel like you’re right there with them. It’s a kind of stripped-back rebellion in itself, reflecting the band’s ongoing refusal to conform to industry expectations.

“Joke’s On You” isn’t just a one-off. It’s a teaser for OF LIMBO Unplugged, a full-length album that’s set to throw a curveball at fans. Expect a mix of the band’s raw originals and reinterpretations of classics from the likes of Van Halen and more —songs that have shaped their sound but are getting the ‘Of Limbo’ treatment. The album promises to explore both familiar territory and new ground, as the band digs deep into themes of power, vulnerability, and transformation, all wrapped up in their trademark blend of haunting melody and heavy honesty.

In short, “Joke’s On You” is one hell of a statement. Of Limbo has evolved—shed some skin, taken a few risks—and it’s paying off in spades. The track hits hard, and its message is impossible to ignore. As they prepare for the album drop, it’s clear this band is only getting started. If the rest of the record lives up to this moment, we’re in for something truly special. And for anyone who’s ever been on the receiving end of emotional manipulation, this song will feel like a lifeline.

Jason Hillenburg