Man, I do sure love music from the Great White North. And the latest music video from The Crowleys does an effective job portraying the subtle environment of their hometown in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
The Crowleys, consisting of Stuart Downie, Giuliana Frontini, Collin Horlick, Justyn Horlick, and Cohen Wylie, released their debut album, “Strange Seasons,” on September 1st of this year. Their catchy, neo-psychedelic sound is infectious, with the driving drums and lead guitar, synth pairing of their single “Seasons” reminding me of Tame Impala or Melody’s Echo Chamber.
The music video for “Seasons” was shot on Super 8, and the analog, grainy texture of the film captures the charming aspects of their neighborhood. Grey, industrial buildings are juxtaposed against orange leaves and picturesque lakefronts. This treatment is especially transcendental when one considers the human necessity to put our phones down and “go touch grass.” The video presents well-edited images of sprawling city skylines and open landscapes.
Narratively, members of the band adorn a mask and a plastic bag. The mask is found in the trunk of a tree, and a bandmate in the plastic bag is revealed from under a pile of freshly fallen leaves. According to The Crowleys, “This mask represents consumerism and materialism. It allows the wearer to hide their true self, promises to fulfill their desires, provides instant gratification, and allows them to keep up with social norms. ‘The Mask’ is always accompanied by ‘The Bag,’ which represents waste and its environmental impact.” Shots of the mask and the bag symbolize rampant consumerism and the damaging impact of microplastics.
I enjoyed the interstitial shots of the band performing in a nightclub. Super 8 film is a distinct format, making you feel like you are there, watching them play together. Plus, the dark club complements the industrial fortresses and factories that line the streets where they filmed.
This offering from The Crowleys is perfect for your autumn playlist, and the music video effectively transports you to an area of North America where there are actual seasons. I will definitely put this video on during our chilly, October evenings here in Southern California.
Experience the breezy video above or stream the track here.
