Directed & Edited by Chris Strong Assistant Director: David Sampson Boy: Max Lehman Girl: Melody Sample American Football portrayed by Sam Geneser, Fergus Lynch and Jeff Denight Camera Operators: Chris Strong, David Sampson, Christopher Semel, Sam Geneser, Sean O'Connor, and Fergus Lynch Locations: Carolyn McMenamin, Jessica Knoles, and Edwin Menacho Wardrobe Styling: Mary Eleanor Wallace Prop/Location Stylists: Liz Brinckerhoff, and Laura Today Polaroids: Chris Strong, Edwin Menacho, and Christopher Semel
Special Thanks to Matt Lunsford, Linda Robbennolt, Chris Hassen, Seth Hubbard, Matt Pellum, Amy Pellum, Sara Chabot, Allen Strong, Nancy Strong, Paula Strong, Exile On Main Street Records, and Harley Lewis.
Directed & Edited by Chris Strong Assistant Director: David Sampson Boy: Max Lehman Girl: Melody Sample American Football portrayed by Sam Geneser, Fergus Lynch and Jeff Denight Camera Operators: Chris Strong, David Sampson, Christopher Semel, Sam Geneser, Sean O'Connor, and Fergus Lynch Locations: Carolyn McMenamin, Jessica Knoles, and Edwin Menacho Wardrobe Styling: Mary Eleanor Wallace Prop/Location Stylists: Liz Brinckerhoff, and Laura Today Polaroids: Chris Strong, Edwin Menacho, and Christopher Semel
Special Thanks to Matt Lunsford, Linda Robbennolt, Chris Hassen, Seth Hubbard, Matt Pellum, Amy Pellum, Sara Chabot, Allen Strong, Nancy Strong, Paula Strong, Exile On Main Street Records, and Harley Lewis.
"Everyone's A Superstar" is the new collaborative single from @IANSWEET & @PorridgeRadio, recorded as part of @abbeyroad Amplify x @pitchfork London series. youtube.com/watch?v=qupC0DakerM
"A Reckoning" is taken from @mybandowen's new album, The Falls of Sioux - out April 26, 2024.
Lyrics: This suitcase still smells like the thrift store I saved it from Big enough to hold all my shit and then some at twenty-one But now in my 40s I travel with much more dirty laundry Hundreds of hotel rooms from Shanghai to the Falls of Sioux know me better than you do I can’t believe I let your grief rewrite my youth I’ve doubled the devil and changed my name I lost a limb and live with the pain If I get back to Sioux Falls there’s gonna be a reckoning
"Cursed ID" is taken from @mybandowen's new album, The Falls of Sioux - out April 26, 2024.
Lyrics: I’ve been a rake and I’ve been a fool I’ve been as of late enfant terrible Whatever that means I keep doing my bad “Drunk Billy Bragg” in front of everyone All the empty pockets in the world I can’t even afford to sleep on your floor I’ve got this cursed rope around my neck and an unquenched thirst to pull on both ends until this all ends But I won’t and never will I’m goodbye curious But I’ve her and her and her and her and him still I’ve all the empty pockets in the world I can’t even afford to complain anymore I know I’m lucky to even have this coat Empty pocket and holed But I’ve got this cursed rope around my neck Was it worth it? I can’t explain it…but yes
"Mount Cleverest" is taken from @mybandowen's new album, The Falls of Sioux - out April 26, 2024.
Lyrics: I’m done climbing Mount Cleverest I’m done tampering with the evidence To love and to loathe from this day forward I’ll only cum on command More or less (but less) To love and to loathe To live without hope from this day forward To love and to loathe To live without hope I promise I’ll resent you the most from this day forward Let’s raise a toast: I’m dead inside but the yard looks nice so nobody knows I’m so glad you all could come but I’m fucking done
"Qui Je Plaisante?" is taken from @mybandowen's new album, The Falls of Sioux - out April 26, 2024.
Lyrics: Just tell me how this ends I’m forgiven? I’m forgotten? I’m forsaken? I’m forever on trial? I’m still seated at the table? I’m visited in jail? I’m just another cautionary tale? (to no one’s surprise) O, I gotta know if there’s an end All the time I spent posing pretending posturing I could’ve learned another language Or written more songs I could’ve saved my marriage Qui je plaisante? You asked the questions I answered honestly What more could I do?? You forbade lies and despised the truth Just tell me how this ends - I’m forgiven? I’m forgotten? I’m dead?
"Penny" is taken from @mybandowen's new album, The Falls of Sioux - out April 26, 2024.
Lyrics: A penny for your thoughts What’s left of my ego, my eyes, and a lifetime of blind obedience for your love I’m just dumb enough to beg Hands and knees and everything short of a diamond ring I won’t be fooled again
I’m wasting my time chasing your light A circuitous clown balancing on a wire between two lives Man, I’m just wasted… A penny for your thoughts And quite literally the entirety of my life insurance policy for your love I hope it’s enough… You’re so soft spoken you might blow away You’re so soft spoken you might blow away You’re so soft spoken that I’m afraid you might blow away I’m afraid
"With You Without You" is taken from @mybandowen's new album, The Falls of Sioux - out April 26, 2024.
Lyrics: Tragically, Fate frowned upon me on the day she found my diary The vulgar contents of my head far too filthy to forgive I’m so sorry that I’m still sorry In my middle-age of discovery every mistake’s a luxury Now I’m with you without you Famously, Fate left me for dead with two daggered-eyes in a stranger's bed It was the violence I needed Only blinded could I see it In my middle-age of discovery every mistake’s a luxury So don’t ask me where I’ve been - I’m home and you and your cat got my tongue again This is life with an asterisk This is life now I’m so sorry about the mess You don’t have a thing to wear You can’t take me anywhere but I’m with you without you I’m with you without you
Credits: Directed by Alec Basse (IG: @bassealec) & Max Moore (IG: @maxjmoorefilm) Casting by Jake Bloom Edit by Max Moore
Cast: Kid - Ben Bergthold Kid - Mason Maldonado Ladder Dad - Jesse Maldonado
Lyrics: Inside your head: a monsoon of bitters and bourbon and an undying burden of proof Inside your heart: the blackest mood You’re allowed to lament a life of virtue misspent It hurts now but you’ll learn how to leave me Under your breath you always knew it was never you I know it hurts now but you’ll learn how to leave me
Lyrics: Your father’s a drunk - best do what you’ve been told, Son Put your bottles down and run Don’t stop till you can’t hear Mama cryin’ Do as I mumble, not as I stumble Or you’ll find yourself kidney deep in my kind of trouble It was a hit and run I got away but I have to live each day with what I’ve done You’re father was a son once of a bum and a gun and I’m sorry - a curse I couldn’t outrun It’s in your blood It’s in your bones It’s in every indiscretion that your future holds Do as I mumble, not as I stumble Or you’ll find yourself kidney deep in my kind of trouble It was a hit and run I got away but the damage is done It was a hit and run I got away but I have to live each day I’d rather be dead Please, Lord Take me instead
Directed, filmed, and edited by Weird Life Films Dealer's Choice: Alec Basse Extras: Drew Angle, Katelyn Douglass, Nina Clevinger, Alec Basse, Justine Fallon, Jessa Toth, Dan Hogan, Matt Kellen, Grace Carlson, Claudia Ryndak Special thanks to Matt Geiser & Matt Gehl Filmed on location at Treehouse Records
Lyrics: I didn’t know ’til I knew I could endure this life in black and white or intoxicating color with you Liar / Liar My eyes are on fire I can see everything in the backseat of your car On a dirty floor behind the bar I can see everything every goddamn night with the mirror turned just right I can see everything up against the wall I’m cuckoo for you, Beaucoup Liar / Liar My eyes are on fire again My mind’s a candle burning at both ends and I can see everything… I’m cuckoo for you, Beaucoup Every gunshot at night Every dream I can’t describe Every drug I’ve ever tried If my dad were still alive is you
"Boyfriend" is taken from @birthmarkband's new album, Birth of Omni - out now.
Director: Nate Kinsella Starring: Nate Kinsella & Jamie Burns Directors of Photography: Ryan Bender & Nate Kinsella Editors: Ryan Bender & Nate Kinsella Glitch Art: Ryan Ramsey Title Design: Neil Spencer
Lyrics: Girl, when I met you I was a child Immature, insecure, running just to catch your smile We took the Mazda to outer space Lost track of the time but held on to the aftertaste I fell to your feet The two of us made a heartbeat Now all we need is rest I’m not the first to have you, but I’m the first to know you best – I’m your boyfriend
Down on my knees like a husband would, dishes and the floors like a partner should, took our baby walking through the neighborhood, anything I could to be your boyfriend Down on my knees like a husband would, dishes and the floors like a partner should, took our baby walking through the neighborhood What you can’t, I could
Girl, when I saw you I couldn’t stop Spent the whole summer bumbling around your flower shop Then you came over without your friend An overnight stay turned into a weekend Why me? Lean on me, make me feel like a man You can do what you want with your invisible hands – I’m your boyfriend
"Red Meadow" is taken from Birthmark's new album, Birth of Omni - out January 19, 2024.
Director & Post-Production: Nate Kinsella Dancer: Robin Mineko-Williams Director of Photography: Chris Strong Color Assist: Koen Holtcamp
Lyrics: Look at you Look at me We were kids Carlo Rossi Celebrate your birthday every Halloween. I’ve been true to you – no makeup. But look at this This routine We only touch when we’re asleep Dreamt I was your roommate Yeah, I could play that part but we all have emotional needs Show me your emotions
I belong to you and you belong above me We need a meadow to roll in We need a fire to start spreading It catches on, catches on I belong to you, I hold you up above me I don’t know what I’m standing on But I know to keep hanging on
Is this you? Is that me? Is this how we thought it’d be? The clock is ticking remember we’re living in a little box on a hill there’s a fence and a treadmill No one gets in or out anymore since closing the only door We’re living in the daylight longing for the allure of the darkness
I can change my hair, find some new old clothes to wear, sing in a flawless voice to you Show me your emotions
"SOFT LIVING" is taken from Jeff Rosenstock's new album, HELLMODE - out September 1, 2023.
Director: Bob Vielma Producer: Ralph Botello Additional Footage: Aja Pilapil Thanks to Christina, Dan, Shilakes, Christian, okamigo, Jay, Mikey, Leah, Kris, Aaron, and Christine
Lyrics: When you think of me Do you see something inside me that I could never see Some amount of miles away Daydreaming straight into the blaze? Aaron Carter in a Target screamin’ “Is it a mistake?”
We watched the sunset dreamsmog Shit out the doom fog When this song comes on Put all your clothes on Count to ten and breathe Drink some water When your head starts spinnin’ I tried everything that was easy Oh, it’s hard soft living
What’s it gonna take To guide the brush fires to eradicate Every single trace of these Scumfuck white supremacist shitlords? When this song comes on Burn a police car To just stay strong is hard When all you can think of Is how did we go so wrong? How did we go so wrong? How did we go so wrong?
Don’t wanna hold out for the end of the world Don’t wanna hold out for the end of the world
We watched the sunset dreamsmog Shit out the doom fog When this song comes on Turn all the lights on Because it’s done So clean up and try not to think of How did we go so wrong? How did we go so wrong?
"Rodney" is taken from Birthmark's new album, Birth of Omni - out January 19, 2024.
Directed by Ben Wietmarschen & Nate Kinsella Written by Nate Kinsella Starring: Nate Kinsella, Emilea Wilson, Chuck Maa Director Of Photography & Editor: Ryan Bender Producer: Saeed Chabayta Production Designer: Caitlin Nunes 1st AC: Hayden Luscombe Gaffer: Ryan Kuna Key Grip: Jeremy Kuzo Hair & Makeup: Bryan Ramirez Colorist: Gabriel Sanchez Production Assistant: Landon Lueck World's Coolest Auntie: Katie Kinsella-Boles
Lyrics: I got a thing for Rodney, Rodney I’m imagining a place with you, Rodney Hold me captive. Hold me underneath, Rodney Our adventure can’t be over yet, Rodney
See my beautiful wife In my beautiful house These are my beautiful children No, I can’t sneak out Can I shake your hand? Make you laugh out loud? I want to be with you No one can ever find out
"Beach Days (Alive Again)" is taken from Oceanator's sophomore album, Nothing's Ever Fine, out now via Polyvinyl Records & Big Scary Monsters.
Elise Okusami: Guitars, Bass, Vocals Andrew Whitehurst: Drums
Shot mostly by Anders Nils Edited by Elise Okusami
Lyrics: It’s hot Finally summer and we’re Coming alive again Spent the winter Getting paler and we’ve Got vampire skin But now the sun’s out We’re feeling better about What the days ahead bring They’re lasting longer Stopped getting dark before five it’s time to see the ocean So grab your towel Get in the car We’re headed out to rockaway It isn’t far Sun shines Waves crash Think this might last forever
When we get there Take our shoes off And dig our toes in the sand Stay til sunset And watch the tide roll out Receding from the land By the ocean Is where i wanna be When this all comes to an end Crack a cold one And watch tsunamis come Surrounded by my friends I can feel happy on beach days There’s always something to get in the way of overthinking everything Only have to worry about the riptide only have to worry ‘bout the undertow when you’re Going out swimming When i can feel the sun on my skin when i can taste the salt on my tongue it feels like Nothing can go wrong Tomorrow we go back to real life so just enjoy the beach tonight i’m glad y’all Came along
"ALL I NEED" is taken from alexalone's new album, ALEXALONE TECHNICAL RESEARCH - out digitally September 29, 2023.
Production Company: 24 Cobras Executive Producer: Ivy Chiu Directed By: Drewsky Hulett and Ivy Chiu Line Producer: Lilo Hulett Production Coordinator: Noble McClure Director of Photography: Bex Rodriguez Steadicam Operator: Matt McCloskey A Camera / Ronin Operator: Bex Rodriguez B Camera Operator: Hannah Zamora 1st AC: Mark Roethke 2nd AC: Braden Gary Camera Utility: Rylan McCoy Handicam / Loader: Jeremy Steinberger Add'l Photography: Ivy Chiu Gaffer: Joe Failla Key Grip: Conner White Swing: Kingsley Vyvial The Guides Costume Designer: Dev England King Beau Costume Designer: Tyler Soares HMU: Gothess Jasmine Movement Director: Sarah Bartholomew King Beau: Sir Beuregard Elliot, Esq. The Guides: Vertarias Hankins, Gothess Jasmine, Jen Parkhill "JP", Sarah Bartholomew, Charlie Blaine Editor: Jeremy Steinberger Colorist: Alex Winker 3D Animator: Alex Peterson Video Effector: Drewsky Hulett
Special thanks to Suite 650, BL&S, MPS, Whitney Devin & Little Benny, Hannah Varnell, MJ Johnston, Damian Joseph Quinn, Dé Randle, Sam "Sammy Sue" Jordan
Lyrics: TAKE A WALK DONT WANNA TALK A DIP IN THE LAKE MY SPECIAL PLACE FEELINGS I NEED TO FACE WANNA FEEL SAFE I DONT FEEL THAT WAY
FIND MY HOPE DONT GO IT ALONE LOSE MY BODY WOULD BE A SIGHT TO SEE ITS ALL I NEED
"Intheskatepark" is taken from Squirrel Flower's new album, Tomorrow's Fire - out now.
Ella Williams: guitar, keyboards, vox Alex Farrar: bass, keyboards
Lyrics: In the skate park losing my mind I’ll make it home in time In the skate park losing my mind Don’t worry you’re alright Don’t worry you’re alright
I thought if I told you slowly You’d be feeling the same way You’d be feeling the same way
On the roof and I’m breathing you in In the dead of the summer time In the parking lot touching your hand You think I’m way outta line Take a hit and we fall in the sand Late july we got plenty of time
I thought if I touched you slowly You’d be feeling the same way You’d be feeling the same way I thought if i told you slowly You’d be feeling the same way You’d be feeling the same way You’d be feeling the same way You’d be feeling the same way You’d be feeling You’d be feeling
"Emergency Contact" is taken from IAN SWEET's new album, SUCKER - out November 3, 2023.
Starring Jillian Medford and Martin Herlihy
Production Company: Insufficient Funds Director: Brittany Reeber Producer: Serena Hughes Cinematographer: Adam Kolodny Editor: Jacqueline Donahue Choreographer: Lucy Kerr Production Designers: Caroline Pigou, Kaili Corcoran Asst Director: Ursula Barker 2nd AD: Maxwell Menzies 1st AC: Mike Cicchetti Gaffer: David WIlliamson Key Grip: Brian De La Cruz Stylist: Rebeca Flores Hair & Makeup: Cassandra Lee Production Assistant: Ezra Kahn MVP: Chance Williams "Sound": Ada Meng Zang BTS photography: Caroline Safran Colorist: Daniel Stuyck Title Sequence: Serena Hughes
Special thanks to Anthony Argento, Justin Spindler, and Penina Warren
Lyrics: I stopped writing you down As my emergency contact I bet you’re glad that you don’t have To come runnin Everytime i fall back
The light it out in my kitchen But i’m still washin the dishes Avoiding all existence And it gets so dark sometimes But I keep you out of sight Not read to see what i’m missin
I don’t mind I don’t mind I don’t wanna get it right I don’t mind I don’t mind I don’t wanna get it right This time
I cry cry cry in the shower Tears and water Are no different And i could call you i know you’d listen But i keep you at a safe distance
Park my car On your street I heard that song and had to scream I made too many enemies
So i’ll leave this city Or keep runnin No slowin down or givin in At least until the drugs kick in
I don’t mind I don’t mind I don’t wanna get it right I don’t mind I don’t mind I don’t wanna get it right This time
I watched you like an instant classic Memorized every line, every scene Act it out in my sleep Rewind and repeat Someone else can watch you now Cuz it can’t be me
I don’t mind I don’t mind I don’t wanna get it right I don’t mind I don’t mind I don’t wanna get it right This time
HELLMODE - the fifth and ferocious new album by @jeffrosenstock - out September 1, 2023.
1. WILL U STILL U (0:00) 2. HEAD (3:20) 3. LIKED U BETTER (4:51) 4. DOUBT (7:41) 5. FUTURE IS DUMB (12:09) 6. SOFT LIVING (15:57) 7. HEALMODE (20:44) 8. LIFE ADMIN (24:05) 9. I WANNA BE WRONG (26:48) 10. GRAVEYARD SONG (29:22) 11. 3 SUMMERS (33:54)
JOHN DEDOMENICI - BASS KEVIN HIGUCHI - DRUMS, PERCUSSION MIKE HUGUENOR - ELECTRIC GUITAR DAN POTTHAST - ACOUSTIC GUITAR, WURLITZER, VOCALS JEFF ROSENSTOCK - ACOUSTIC & ELECTRIC GUITARS, SAXOPHONES, CLARINET, ORGAN, SYNTHESIZERS, PIANO, VOCALS
ADDITIONAL VOCALS BY CHRIS FARREN & LAURA STEVENSON TROMBONE ON “WILL U STILL U” BY JEREMY HUNTER VIBRAPHONE ON “HEALMODE” BY SKYLAR SUOREZ TRASH CAN ON “LIFE ADMIN” BY CHRISTINE MACKIE
ENGINEERINGLY ASSISTED BY LOGAN TAYLOR ADDITIONAL RECORDING BY JEFF, JEREMY & SKYLAR IN THEIR PLACES OF LIVING PRE-PRODUCTION AT BALBOA STUDIOS IN LOS ANGELES, CA
INTERNATIONAL VOX & CLAP CO. CLASS OF 2022: GILBERT ARMENDARÍZ, LAUREN BRIEF SIM CASTRO, LAURA HAMMOND, PUP & NEIL SHARMA
"Your Spit" is taken from IAN SWEET's new album, SUCKER - out November 3, 2023.
Starring Jillian Medford, Sarah Sherman, and Martin Herlihy
Production Company: Insufficient Funds Director: Brittany Reeber DP: Adam Kolodny Producer: Serena Hughes AD: Ursula Barker 2nd AD: Maxwell Menzies 1st AC: Mike Cicchetti Gaffer: David Williamson Key Grip: Ed Baranowski 2nd Unit Key Grip: Brian De La Cruz Stylist: Rebeca Flores Hair & Makeup: Cassandra Lee Choreographer: Lucy Kerr Production Design: Caroline Pigou & Kaili Corcoran Production Assistant: Ezra Kahn BTS photography: Caroline Safran Graphics: Serena Hughes Editor: Jacqueline Donahue Colorist: Daniel Stuyck
Kissing Couples: Bryn Roberts & Sarah Lammer Spencer Peppet & Jo Schaffer William Banks & Caroline Lost Annie Dempsey & Alex Bass Kiara Marshall & John Brindley Astrid Terrazas & Alex MacKay Ian Richard Devaney & Aidan Noell Fareeha Khan & Michelle Deme
Special thanks to Anthony Argento, Jessica Hamilton, Adam Verhoeff, DCTV, Justin Spindler, and Penina Warren
Lyrics: In the backseat On the highway Going 105 You’re lookin in the rearview You got the clearview You want me for your whole life
I know i’m not makin sense I know i stop mid sentence And pretend i forget What i’m gonna say It’s cuz i’m afraid It’s cuz i’m afraid
But if you Kiss me like you mean it Kiss me like you’re leavin You’re spit tastes different Kiss me like you mean it Make me believe it Make me believe it
In the distance There’s somethin missin Tongue tied like a knot Can’t get the words out I need a minute Or a million To tell you how i’m feelin now
I know i’m not makin sense I know i stop mid sentence And pretend i forget What i’m gonna say It’s cuz i’m afraid This will all go away
But if you Kiss me like you mean it Kiss me like you’re leavin You’re spit tastes different Kiss me like you mean it Make me believe it Make me believe it
@ChristopherFarren's new album, Doom Singer - out August 4, 2023.
1. Bluish (0:00) 2. All We Ever (3:12) 3. Get Over U (6:25) 4. Only U (9:23) 5. Doom Singer (13:25) 6. Screensaver (16:44) 7. First Place (19:29) 8. My Beauty (22:03) 9. Cosmic Leash (24:26) 10. Statue Song (29:07)
Ask Chris Farren how he feels when he finishes an album and he won’t hesitate to respond with: “Miserable. Miserable. Miserable.”
At least, that’s how it’s been over the years he’s been writing and recording solo. When the time came to make a record, Farren would be overtaken by an unparalleled anxiety, forcing him into the home studio he describes as “barely bigger than a closet,” where he agonized over the minute details of his work in progress. “Looking back on those records… I have no good memories of making them,” he admits. “It’s always been a lonely, doubt-ridden process.”
After releasing Born Hot in 2019, Farren knew he needed to make changes to the creative process, but he wasn’t yet sure how to. Enter Frankie Impastato, drummer of Macseal, who Farren met on tour and who became one of his dearest friends and confidants. He told Impastato about the misery, the barely-bigger-than-a-closet studio, the barren memory chest, and together they hatched a plan: they’d make Farren’s next album together. So, Farren got in touch with multi-instrumentalist/producer, and Jay Som mastermind, Melina Duterte (also, a Polyvinyl labelmate), who invited him by her studio where she’s collaborated with a steady stream of notable artists since first opening it in 2020. That’s where Doom Singer, his new full-length album, would be made.
“Looking back, I feel bad, because Melina brought me in to show me her space and was describing the gear to me and I was totally checked out,” Farren says. “I mean, the space is amazing, she’s super talented, but I told her: ‘I don’t care about any of this stuff. I just want to make a record with you and have fun. I want to make a record and have a good time.’”
The choruses on Doom Singer are all like this, huge, cathartic, catchy as hell, and inspired by what Farren describes as the “sixties-tinged girl group vibe, not retro, but playful” employed by Belle and Sebastian. “First Place” is a shining example, a song Farren describes as being about worrying you might grow apart from your partner and, “Not being able to cum because of Lexapro.” It’s hard to describe the single as anything but “jaunty,” the buoyancy of Farren’s delivery belying any sense of disquiet humming beneath its surface.
Farren says Doom Singer communicates an “optimistic nihilism,” and that lyrically, he’s trying to embrace nuances inspired by films like TÁR and I’m Thinking of Ending Things. “In these movies, the truth of the narrative isn’t handed to you, and it’s not easy to figure out where your sympathies should lie,” he says. Against certainty, Doom Singer opens with a confession. “I don’t remember how to do this,” Farren croons on “Bluish,” admitting to feeling codependent in his marriage, worried he is too much to manage, that his neuroses might disrupt a delicate domestic balance. It was the first song he wrote for the album and the one that determined its narrative course. We’re made to believe aging makes you wiser, but as Farren has grown into the prodigious songwriter you hear on Doom Singer, he’s only grown less certain.
“I’m constantly processing the way I feel about things, and I didn’t want any of these songs to sound sure of themselves, or to communicate any clear message. There will be struggle in everything. I’ll always be fighting with myself, and I need to find a certain peace with that,” he says, but on Doom Singer, Farren rejects closure, and he’s still seeking that sense of peace. Maybe we all are, whether we’re bold enough to sing about it or not.
"HEALMODE" is taken from Jeff Rosenstock's new album, HELLMODE - out September 1, 2023.
Starring Champ Filmed by Dan Pothast Concept by Christine Mackie & Jeff Rosenstock Edited by Jeff Rosenstock Additional Editing by Janelle Abad
Lyrics: I never thought I’d say it But it’s hard to hate the rain in California The air is cold and blurry As it presses the pine needles to your car Tumbleweeds roll through the parking lots of shopping malls and supermarkets Everyone is inside Watching movies on their TV’s Staying warm
The street outside is flashing Underneath infrequent bursts of glaring headlights Moving like a glacier or careening like a drunkard towards the trees Flick my shitty lighter and pull smoke From the one-hitter on the doorstep Blow into the fog and listen to The paradiddles on the leaves
When it’s gone the air will clear and we’ll have so much more to see The stores will be filled up with people Trying to buy their groceries
For now i’m standing in the moonlight Wondering when will this all be over I’m wondering if it really doesn’t matter What I do or what I say I’m wondering if the neighborhood coyotes Found a good place to take cover And if it’s gonna be another fourteen months Before it really rains
When it’s gone the air will clear And we’ll have so much more to see The construction will continue And the power tools will screech And cars will cram the street And that’s just fine with me
‘Cause I will stay will with you Not do a single thing all day with you And hunker down after the storm is through Perfect lazy days Where all you need is me And all I need is you Perfect chatty days Where all you need is me And all I need is you Perfect rainy days Where all you need is me And all I need is you Perfect lazy days Where all you need is me And all I need is you, you
"When A Plant Is Dying" is taken from Squirrel Flower's new album, Tomorrow's Fire - out now.
Ella Williams: guitar, voice Matt McCaughan: drums Dave Hartley: bass Seth Kaufman: guitar MJ Lenderman: guitar
Video by Lua Borges Special Thanks to Matt Gehl, John Jadkowski and Grinnell
Lyrics: Kick you when you're down Kick you when you're down Can’t get much lower now I’m sitting in the drain Can’t get much lower now I’m sitting in the drain
When a plant is dying It throws down seeds for growing Not saying you’re dying But I saw you throw them down Not saying you’re dying But I saw you throw them down
There must be more to life Than being on time These days it takes a sunrise To remember you’re alive
When a plant is dying Throws down seeds for growing I’m not saying i’m dying But i’m throwing seeds for growing
I’m not dying But I’m throwing them to the wind I’m throwing them to the wind Throwing them to the wind
"Full Time Job" is taken from Squirrel Flower's new album, Tomorrow's Fire - out now.
Ella Williams: Guitar, Bass, vocals Alex Farrar: Drums, Guitar, Keys, bangin on a trashcan drinkin too much coffee MJ Lenderman: Guitar
Directed and Edited by Lua Borges Starring Carolina Chauffe, Kari Watson, Phoebe Schreckinger, Sidney Hotchkins, Jesse Ward, Olivia Gallo DP - John Jadkowski Production Assistant - Cyrano Desrosiers Grip - Mike “Peg” Knauer Stunt Trucker - Clay Frankel Water Captain - Alex Halstead On-set Photographer - Ash Dye Color - Matt Gehl, John Jadkowski Special Thanks to Elaine Tunnat and the Brooks Family
Lyrics: Taking it easy is a full time job One I’m tired of One I'm tired of
Doing my best is a full time job But it doesn’t pay the rent No it doesn’t pay the rent No it doesn’t pay
Never wanted to be someone’s wife Give up my whole life Give up my whole life
So I try to be brave in the crowd But i’m on my knees now Yeah i’m on my knees now Yeah i’m on my knees now
@palehoundsounds heavy-hitting new album, Eye On The Bat - out July 14, 2023.
1. Good Sex (0:00) 2. Independence Day (1:41) 3. The Clutch (5:20) 4. Eye On The Bat (8:30) 5. U Want It U Got It (11:26) 6. Route 22 (13:55) 7. My Evil (17:46) 8. Head Like Soup (20:10) 9. Right About You (23:39) 10. Fadin’ (26:14)
Palehound's songwriting has always been generous and personal, dispatches from a deep inner world. On Eye On The Bat, though, we meet El Kempner anew: a guttural howl; white-hot and blistering catharsis; a feverish and visceral and painful present. The record charts something that divides you into “before” and “after.” It’s a documentation of illusions shattering, the danger of fantasy, of heartbreak, and the pain of growth. A tangle of raw nerves coming undone amongst swelling, propulsive instrumentation.
Recorded in brief stints across 2022 at Flying Cloud Recordings in the Catskills, the space between each session gave Kempner more time to breathe, to revisit the songs after time away. Kempner co-produced Eye On The Bat alongside Sam Owens (Big Thief, Cass McCombs), who was also crucial to the process -- lending assistance yet allowing Kempner to take the reins on producing, to call the shots on the session and step into their own as a producer.
Kempner also credits multi-instrumentalist Larz Brogan, who they refer to as “their platonic life partner” and longtime member of Palehound since the Boston DIY days, as a vital part of making the album come together the way it did. They make Kempner feel seen - allow them to be vulnerable, to experiment, to push themself in the studio. After playing together for so many years, Brogan and Kempner both wanted to push themselves to make a record that sounded less produced, one that simply captured the raw energy of Palehound live.
Opening track “Good Sex” charts trying to make a relationship work, the desperation to recapture something, in searing detail; before dissolving into “Independence Day,” its chaotic counterpart, where you realize you can’t and find yourself breaking someone’s heart in the glow of fireworks. “The Clutch” flies by red flags, plunging forward even though it shouldn’t, even though it’s speeding toward heartbreak; while “My Evil” is about being the heartbreaker, hurting someone you never could have imagined hurting. Accepting that, even if unintentional, we all act as villains in someone else’s story.
The poetry is still present – full of aching and shrine-building to minutiae – but it feels genuinely diaristic and authentic. In the past, Kempner admits to hiding behind poetic notions, burying the hurt in metaphors. But here, El’s at their most open and vulnerable.
Eye On The Bat is not a hopeful record in content, but it’s immediately recognizable as the sort of totem you come out clutching on the other side of profound change. It’s cerebral, trying to make sense of grief in a grocery store or an argument in a parking lot, plumbing the anxious depths of the interiors. It feels like a promise to yourself – if you made it through that, you’ll handle whatever comes next.