Sound to Visual Pt. I

Introduction:

For those of you who find it hard to assimilate back into reality after watching a mind bending music video, indulging in the deep psyche of sounds, words and visuals…or just enjoy some cool entertainment, I invite you to nerd out with me as we dive into a new level of musical ecstasy, searching for game-changing music videos and attempting to link the sounds to visuals. Why you ask? Well…

I have been a music fan and a film enthusiast for quite a while and seeing some of my favorite musicians release amazing, thought-provoking music videos brings my love for the artist to a whole new level. It reminds me of the united relationship between music and film. I think a band should take the steps beyond just pouring money into a video where the group “rocks out” on top of a windy building or in the middle of the desert. In my opinion, the coolest video pieces are always the most ambiguous and thought provoking. They add a whole new level of meaning to the music. It’s like attempting to crack an indecipherable code. It gives you a path into the musician’s brain, but can also mean different things for different people. There is a unique experience when watching a good music video in which they force you to completely engulf yourself in the story, theme, or visuals being portrayed. They give us goosebumps. They stimulate happiness, sadness, or anger. They can be disturbing or seductive or sometimes just leave you with a soulless facial expression while you question what life really is…

So, I encourage you to sit down, grab some good headphones or speakers, and watch these videos start to finish, no interruptions. As your annoying high school teacher once said, give these videos your “full and undivided attention.” Also, I am going to spew my opinions on possible meanings behind these videos along with my favorite parts. We would love to hear your thoughts. Comment if you liked them, hated them, or think my thoughts are lame and misleading… That’s cool too.

"Coffee" 

By: Sylvan Esso

While watching this video and listening to the lyrics, it seems like Sylvan Esso is playing with ideas of perceived happiness versus true happiness, while hinting at the repetitive nature of love. It sounds like an abstract love song visually portrayed using the differences between an organized public dance and a house party.

As Nick Sanborn walks by the table to check in, there is a sign that reads “First Saturday Dance.” We see shots of a diverse group of people from different ages and ethnicities dancing together, having a good ol’ time. The lyrics “It’s a dance we know the moves” alludes to the people at the dance feeling self-confident and to the feelings of comfort and of undeniable happiness. Also, the lyrics “Sentiments the same, but the pair of feet change” interestingly compare the similarities between dancing with various people at a public dance and casually hooking up with random people. We exit this scene with an amazing close up shot of Nick Sanborn closing his eyes as if we are entering into one of his memories.

We are then brought into the scene of a grungy house party. I love the way we slowly float through scenes in the house filled with loneliness, awkward conversations, and an overall kind of disgusting drunk confusion. Amelia and Nick seem to be out of place. Awkward outsiders willingly attending a party in hopes to find friends and have a good time, instead hit with the depressing muck of drunken interaction. I feel like this scene points to themes of seeking social acceptance, but Amelia’s lyrics, “Wrap me in your arms, I can’t feel it but” may hint at the unattached feelings of drunk hookups and her desperation after a rough break up. Also, the lyrics “feel the turn of rotation” is visually portrayed in the dance scenes as being part of a dance move, but given the rest of her lyrics, I think Sylvan Esso is trying to illustrate the repetitive process of finding companionship whether that’s friendship or love.

The last scene puts the audience back into an organized, synchronized dance. A “Dance we know the moves.” Again, everyone looks happy and comfortable with the people they are dancing with and environment they are in, unlike the house party where we see Nick reluctantly listening to a drunk guy go on a meaningless rant and Amelia awkwardly dancing with a group. This last scene could be toying with the comparison between true meaningful relationships formed between friends/girlfriends/boyfriends (represented by the organized dance), and the fake connections often made with people at parties. 

Overall, I think Sylvan Esso did an amazing job with this music video. This impressive song-writing mixed with interesting visuals and a thought-provoking yet ambiguous storyline brings my appreciation for this band to a new level. Well done.

8.5/10