ANCHR's Artist of the Week: Sir Sly

Sir Sly is Landon Jacobs, Hayden Coplen and Jason Suwito. Photo courtesy of Press Here Publicity

One live music trope I can’t stress enough is to always catch the opening band when you get a chance. Back in early 2014, I showed up to St. Lucia’s show at Lincoln Hall having never heard their supporting band before, and now Sir Sly is easily one of my favorite bands.

Since those early days of being the opening band and the era of their debut album You Haunt Me, Sir Sly has continued on a trajectory of slow and steady maturity. Thanks to lead singer and songwriter Landon Jacobs’ vulnerability and transparency as a storyteller, listeners can sense a stark shift in tones from their first album to their sophomore release Don’t You Worry, Honey; An artistic shift that stems from the major changes that occurred in Jacobs’ personal life. At surface value, you could listen to 2017’s Don’t You Worry, Honey and hear glossy, upbeat melodies destined to gain popularity because of their catchiness, but at its core, Jacobs candidly shares his struggles of losing his mother to cancer and dealing with the disintegration of his young marriage. On top of that, Jacobs managed to turn an experience of a panic attack in a hotel room into the hit “High,” which saw chart success and made appearances in shows like 13 Reasons Why and Riverdale.

Almost four years later, Jacobs and his bandmates Hayden Coplen and Jason Suwito are ready to embark on a new chapter with their third album The Rise & Fall Of Loverboy, which is slated to be released on April 23, 2021 via Interscope Records. To accompany the news of the album, Sir Sly released the fourth and fifth singles off the upcoming record last week: “thx.” and “Loverboy.” In contrast to the mellow vocals and faded instrumentals of the former, “Loverboy” jumps right into an effervescent hook that expresses the joy and ease of a new relationship. On the third album as a whole, Jacobs has said, “The Rise & Fall Of Loverboy is an album about falling in love with someone new, and the magic that brought into my world.”

You can pre-order the new album here, and listen to “Loverboy” in full below.

Keep up with Sir Sly on Facebook // Twitter // Instagram

PREMIERE: "Underwater/Outerspace" Music Video by Sugarpulp

Today we’re pleased to share the premiere of the brand new music video for “Underwater/Outerspace” by Chicago’s own Sugarpulp.

Translating their sound from audio to video was a challenge that inspired Sugarpulp and music video director, Kevin Pickman. But the main goal was to have some fun. “When the band and I started discussing the aesthetic, we wanted something that was visually eerie and psychedelic but also didn’t take itself too seriously,” said Pickman. “Our main goal was to have fun with costumes and science fiction tropes.” Sugarpulp singer Deb Chesterman agreed. “Building the costumes and the storyline was like being a kid again and putting on a play for your parents.” To help them play dress-up, Aro Farmilant created the set and costumes. “Dreaming this universe into existence with the group was definitely mind-altering…there’s an ether of infinite possibilities to Underwater/Outerspace.”  Developing a visual world with musical elements posed another challenge to the band’s process. “We all got to use our creativity in ways that don’t manifest directly into music,” said Chesterman. Pickman’s storyline supported this process by combining plot with aesthetic. “I incorporated an idea my brother and I created for a graphic novel: a heartbroken woman travels to another dimension to steal the identity of her parallel self to continue a relationship she had lost.” In the world of Sugarpulp, anything is possible.

Get your first look at the music video below, and keep up with Sugarpulp on Facebook // Twitter // Instagram. The band will also be hosting a release show for the music video at Demons on Damen this Friday, January 31st-details here.

PREMIERE: "Deadly Stare" by Thompson Springs

Today we’re sharing the first single “Deadly Stare” from Thompson Springs’ upcoming debut album Undertones.

Photo by Kayla Thornton

Lead vocalist and songwriter Matt Smith of the group wrote the leading track while he was living in Memphis, and ultimately the group recorded it in Nashville last year with the assistance of Patrick Sansone (Wilco, The Autumn Defense) on the 12-string guitar and as a producer. “I still have the video of the [“Deadly Stare”] demo, and I remember being really excited about the chord changes. I was new to Memphis and didn't have a lot of friends yet, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise because I had lots of time to work on songs! It's a slower pace of life down there, and I like to think that influenced the song,” Smith says.

Eventually Smith brought the song to drummer and synth player Jake Bicknase, who added his own melody on the synth that really tied together the track. Smith says he and Bicknase got to that point by just jamming and letting everything fall together. “'It’s kind of my mentality not to talk about it too much or else the magic might disappear,” he adds. The final version of the song came about with the help of Pat Sansone and engineer Andy Freeman in the recording studio. “Originally this song existed just with just vocals, guitar and synth. We went into the studio with that instrumentation, but after showing the song to Pat and Freeman, we experimented with a few different things and decided that the song would have a totally different vibe and edge with this driving drumbeat pushing it along. It definitely became dreamier,” says Bicknase. “It was really cool to see in a matter of hours how the song changed from being stripped down to really full and complete, just by being open to each others ideas,” Smith adds.

To accompany the song, Thompson Springs worked with Chicago director Joe Martinez Jr., who has directed videos of other local acts like Ryley Walker. “I was really pleased to work with Joe after seeing some of his videos with local groups around town. He has that special vibe where you can feel he cares and has an eye that is artistic, not financial. He pulled out all the stops with a low budget,” says Smith. The video was shot in one day between the Pilsen and Logan Square neighborhoods with the help of friends and family.

Take a look at the finished piece below, and make sure you catch Thompson Springs at their next show at Sleeping Village on January 21st.

Video Credits:

Director

Joe Martinez Jr.

@instrajammer

AD

Jessica Batson

@jmayb

Cinematographer 

O’Connor Hartnett

@ohartnett

Movi Op

Michael Monar

@mmonar

AC

Christian Meija

@seemejia

Key Grip

Johnny Weichel

@weichel.jordan

Car Passenger 

Matt Smith

@thompsonsprings

Alley Keys

Jacob Bicknase

@jabickus

Car Driver

Jose Martinez

Kid on Bike

Ben Parks

Basketball Girl

Ellie Parks

Roller-Girl

Danielle Brod

@cptnd

Gas Station Hipster

David Alan Thrift

@thriftayyy

Street Clown

Sean Mills

@sdavidsonmills

Dog walker 

Emily Lindeman

Dog Thief 

Savanna Dickhut

@burroak

Mom

April Brossett

Big Sister

Aaliyah Montana

@aaliyahmontana1

Little Sister

Aria Denali

@ariadenali

Mobster #1

John Mcdonnell

Mobster #2

Michael Bonesteel

Editor 

Joe Martinez Jr.

@instajammer

Colourist 

Lindsey Mazur

@lindseyemazur

PREMIERE: "Good News" Music Video by Fauvely

Photo by Sean Kelly

Today we’re sharing the first look at Fauvely’s music video for “Good News,” from the band’s 2019 EP This is What the Living Do.

For the music video, the band teamed up with Sean Kelly and Remsy Atassi of Emulsion Lab to shoot the project on an Eclair NPR Ultra 16mm vintage camera, which interestingly is the same model that was used for Texas Chainsaw Massacre. “We've more or less adopted a deer as the Fauvely mascot and wanted to run with this theme, albeit in a really silly way. Our music can be on the sadder side…“Good News” is essentially a tongue-in-cheek anthem of self-defeat, so it was nice to do something absolutely ridiculous to off-set this,” says Fauvely’s lead vocalist and songwriter Sophie Brochu.

Tune into the new video below, and make sure you catch Fauvely at The Empty Bottle on Sunday, December 8th with Say Sue Me.

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Keep up with Fauvely on Facebook // Instagram // Twitter

PREMIERE: "Dream Milk" by Sunshrine

Sunshrine is Bryson Foster, Jeramie Anderson, and Ryan Simpson

Today, we’re sharing the first look at Sunshrine’s complete video album for Dream Milk, which was directed by Sunshrine and Kelsey Gould.

In the days leading up to the premiere, the band teased the video album with clips for individual songs, like “Will You Give it Away?” and “Salty Lace.” The songs and their corresponding videos are a “culmination of directionless creativity,” the band says. “We did what was easy and fun and this is what came out. After all the content was compiled we saw a story…we saw a drama, and it needed to be shared with the world,” they add.

Sunshrine’s next show is on October 18th in Lawrence, Kansas— Keep up with them Facebook and Instagram for more updates, and watch the video album in full below.

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PREMIERE: "Something Teenage" Video by Dream Version

Today we’re bringing you the first look at the video for Dream Version’s latest single “Something Teenage.” The trio from Chicago has an unwavering knack for crafting fun and catchy tunes that are guaranteed to get stuck in your head or get you dancing, and “Something Teenage” achieves both.

Dream Version performing at ANCHR’s September Showcase

Although the lyrics read as a love letter, lead singer and guitarist Alec Jensen says it was not written for a romantic interest. “It's a love song for Iggy Pop, and references some things he said in this John Peel lecture,” Jensen clarifies. “In general it's supposed to be about the way I listened to music in high school, and how exciting it is now when something hits me that viscerally. Usually, it's nothing particularly smart or highbrow. Blah Blah Blah is a super glossy, plastic 80s record Iggy made with Bowie, and it's singing in the shower music.  ‘Something Teenage’ sounds more like Yo La Tengo than Iggy, but it's our little love letter,” he adds.

The video, shot and directed by local musician Emily Jane Powers, captures the buoyant energy of the track as it cuts back and forth between the band members enjoying a carefree, summer day at Montrose Beach and performing the track. Talking about the inspiration behind the video, Jensen says, “I came to Emily with the idea of basically doing the ‘Can't Buy Me Love’ sequence from Hard Day's Night,” adding that they wanted the video to focus in on the friendship between himself and bandmates Eric Brummitt and Michael Kunik. “Emily did a great job. She made us seem really funny, which is good, because we, like, are.”

Now that you know the backstory, get your first look at the video below!

Keep up with Dream Version on Facebook + Twitter + Instagram

PREMIERE: "Apple Tree" by Dreamboats Music Video

Photo Credit: Reilly Drew

Today we’re sharing the first look at Dreamboats’ debut single and video for “Apple Tree.” Dreamboats’ current line up recently came together when siblings Jeremy and Maddy Marsan and bandmate Dave Hubbell (formerly known as Maddy, Dave & Jerry) joined forces with John Duray.

The new four-piece blends together influences of country and shoegaze music to create a unique sound that they dub as “dream pop western.” The track “Apple Tree” gives listeners a sneak preview of what is to come on Dreamboats’ upcoming debut album. With the help of filmmaker Reilly Drew, the accompanying video for “Apple Tree” shows a juxtaposition of real life and daydreams, cutting back and forth between dreamy scenes and clips that showcase a mundane reality. Check out the finished product below, starring Dreamboats, Kubrick the dog, and Sheila the cat.

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Keep up with Dreamboats on Facebook and Instagram

PREMIERE: Rookie "I Can't Have You But I Want You" Music Video

Earlier this year, Chicago music scene veterans Joe Bordenaro and Max Loebman decided to put aside their separate musical projects and join forces to form ROOKIE, along with musicians Dimitri Panoutsos and Kevin Decker. The new group quickly took the city by storm, performing everywhere from house shows and dive bars to The Empty Bottle, Lincoln Hall, and Thalia Hall. Chances are, if you’ve caught one of ROOKIE’s live shows around Chicago this year, you’ll remember them performing “I Can’t Have You But I Want You”— with its belt-along chorus and relatable sentiment, it’s hard to forget. Today, the setlist staple finally gets a proper release with a music video and a physical release from Treehouse Records.

Recorded live to tape at the Treehouse Records studio by engineer Barrett Guzaldo, with assists from Elan Frankel on Rhodes, Steve Kostakes on organ and Chris Kulwin playing a Les Paul, the track keeps all its same character as when it’s performed at a ROOKIE show. The video for the song, filmed and directed by Tim Nagle, gives a behind-the-scenes look at the recording process. Check out the premiere of the music video below, and if you like what you hear, pre-order the record from Treehouse here— which includes a B Side of “The Move.”

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You can also snag your copy of “"I Can't Have You But I Want You"/ “The Move” at Virgin Hotels for a release show on December 1st with Ovef Ow, Glyders, and Knox Fortune & Friends. 

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Keep up with ROOKIE on Facebook + Twitter + Instagram

Front Cover acknowledgements: Photography by Alec Basse and design by Yasmine Sayre

PREMIERE: Chameleon Treat "Honey Bee" Music Video

Today we have your first look at Chameleon Treat’s video for “Honey Bee,” which is the first song off the duo’s upcoming album BASKETPUSHER.

Chameleon Treat is Andrew Kruske and Jake Edwards

Andrew Kruske, who makes up one half of Chameleon Treat, says that he and his counterpart Jake Edwards were influenced by bands like Slowdive, Cocteau Twins, and Spiritualized for this album. “I really just wanted to make a solid set of straight up ‘dream pop’ songs. This song in particular is about avoiding a bee that was trapped in my house…it’s about me going way out of my way for an insect, essentially. Through that lonely bug, the song broadly explores empathy (for bugs and/or human beings), stress, and avoidance,” Kruske says.

After writing the song, Kruske and Edwards were tasked with the challenge of making a visual accompaniment to the track on a very low budget. “We were faced with the struggle many independent bands are faced with: how can we make an interesting video with a budget of 0 dollars?” In order to do so, the band had to get resourceful and put in some remarkable DIY effort into the project. The answer involved a “rickety-yet-stylish” tandem bicycle, an oversized stuffed animal, and a lot of patience. “Aside from a few bad snowboarding videos in high school, this video was my first attempt at filming or editing something. It took a lot of planning, guessing, and tinkering, but I’m definitely happy with the end result,” Kruske says.

Kruske even got creative and crafty enough to add some special effects to the video. “The visual effects for the bridge section of the song were produced with an overhead projector and a variety of dyes. I attempted to give a visual indicator of a 60’s psychedelic feeling, in order to enhance the Beatles-sque vibe of the instrumentation of this section of the song. I’ve been consistently drawn to ‘liquid light’ as an art form, and I definitely want to work with it more in the future,” they say.

Although Kruske really spearheaded the efforts behind this video, he also had some help from his friends he says. “I’d also like to give a few shout outs really quick: first, to Emily Henley for playing the harp on this song. My good friend Susie helped me out while filming wherever I needed it. Jake [Edwards] was also there to help out and play the drums in a few of the shots near the middle.”

Now that you have the background story, check out the finished product for yourself with the exclusive premiere of “Honey Bee” below!

Keep up with Chameleon Treat on Facebook

PREMIERE: "Knockout" by Seasaw Music Video

We’re bringing you the first look at Seasaw’s brand new music video for “Knock Out,” just in time for the ANCHR Showcase this Friday.

Meg Golz and her photo-collaged twin

The video stars Seasaw’s Meg Golz and Eve Wilczewski, and the duo describes the video as a visual examination of a battle taking place within one’s psyche. “The song is an arresting narrative of a person dealing with depression and the video that accompanies the song brings the reality of that fight to life,” they say. In the video, Golz is seen boxing a life-sized, photo-collage replica of herself, fighting to reveal the beauty within. Eve Wilczewski sculpted the replica herself, and was able to make the collage using large format newsprints printed by Parabo Press. Leading up to the filming of the video, Golz was kept in the dark about what the finished project would look like, and the fight scene with the replica was all shot in one take.

Talking about her experience filming the video, Golz says, “In order to prepare for this role, I took an hour long one-on-one boxing lesson (at Canvas Club Boxing in Madison - where we shot this video), where I did high intensity training, along with learning the correct form and pattern for boxing sequences. I'm not an athlete, so it was truly one of the hardest athletic experiences I've had. At one point in the class, I was running back and forth across the gym with a medicine ball and my coach shouted ‘I know you can do better than this! GO! GO! GO! GO!’ He told me after the fact, that he wanted me to have this experience to really understand how hard a boxer trains every day. It was seriously so intense, but definitely made me feel ready and comfortable to box in the ring!”

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Now that you know the background, check out the music video below, which was filmed by Mike Palzkill and directed and edited by Nate Chappell.

Get your tickets to see Seasaw in Chicago this Friday, along with Dream Version and Uma Bloo here.

Seasaw Facebook // Twitter // Instagram

PREMIERE: "Don't Wanna Hurt Anymore" by Anthony Worden Music Video

Photo by Joshua De Lanoit

Today we have your first look at the brand new video for Anthony Worden’s song “Don't Wanna Hurt Anymore.” The single comes from Worden’s sophomore album, Slouching Towards Tomorrow, out September 21st.

Talking about the video, Worden says, “The concept for the video was primarily based upon 70s late night talk show appearances because the tune sort of has that same vibe. Shows like the 'Midnight Special' and the 'Old Grey Whistle Test' were the main inspiration but there are so many other wacky shows (especially German ones) that featured some of the biggest pop acts of the times that also inspired the video. We were able to work with a local vintage stylist, hair dresser, and theatre to pull this off and I think we're all happy with the end result. Its fun to play a little dress up and make-believe that we are in another time." 

Check out the exclusive premiere of “Don’t Wanna Hurt Anymore” below!

Worden will be celebrating the new album with a release show on 9/21 in Iowa City- get details here, and catch him on the road in October:

10/10-Columbia, MO

10/11-St. Louis, MO 

10/12-Memphis, TN

10/13-Nashville, TN

10/14-Nashville, TN

10/17-Oxford, MS

10/18-New Orleans, LA

10/19-Jackson, MS 

10/20-Shreveport, LA

10/21-Oklahoma City, OK

10/22-Witchita, KS

10/23-Kansas City, KS

10/24-Lawrence, KS

10/25-Omaha, NE

Follow Worden on Facebook + Instagram + Twitter

PREMIERE: Music Video for "I Want It Back" By Mountain Swallower

What do cheeseburgers, human flight, and space travel have in common? They're all a part of Mountain Swallower's first ever music video. The group, which is one of our favorite rock bands from the Quad Cities, has allowed us to give an exclusive first look at the video below, which was done in partnership with a music video production course at Augustana College.

The vision was able to come alive with the help of five students; Jacob Pecaut, Bryan Ross, Nicolette Hampton, Paige Oucheriah and Kalena Willems. The students were grouped together and tasked with creating a music video for the band. The class, Song to Screen, requires various groups to help a band create, shoot and edit a music video while getting crash courses on production, directing and editing. The group says they had a great time with Mountain Swallower as they were easy to work with, had a clear vision, and easily accessible. The video features members of the band Garrin Jost, Steve Maule, and Kirby Calamari and was shot over a two day period in two different locations in the Quad Cities. 

As you watch the video below, Mountain Swallower has provided a pro tip: Replace "I want it back" with a phrase of your choosing. Examples include but not limited to: "I want a snack", "My fanny pack", "I'm Bernie Mac", "I bought a yak", "I'm joining track", "This song is wack", or "I hurt my back."

Keep up with Mountain Swallower on Facebook + Instagram and if you're around the Quad Cities, make sure you catch Mountain Swallower and so many of our other favorite bands at Birdfest on June 1st! Get your tickets for this stacked line up here. 

PREMIERE: Music Video for "Where Were You Where They Were Also" By The Slaps

This morning our fellow Chicagoans in The Slaps have a new video for their song "Where Were You Where They Were Also," and we're thrilled to present the premiere of it. 

Talking about the process behind this music video, the band says the whole video came about really spontaneously. "We found out we were gonna get to shoot in this abandoned church like two days beforehand, and we called up our friends Cooper Wehde and Tommy Garrett, who helped direct our last music video for 'Houses.' They scrambled to get the camera equipment in time." they say. "The day of we just got together and did a one shot live take. Jake Tarlov did the audio engineering for it. We used one mic in the middle of the church as the only audio," they continued. 

The Slaps also say that they started playing this song differently during their live show after filming this video. "Before that day we had never played it the way it sounds in the video, but I guess being in a church with the big, empty acoustics it sort of inspired us to switch it up." 

Get your first look at the video below, and keep up with The Slaps on Facebook and Instagram. 

If you like what you hear, make sure you grab tickets to come see The Slaps at our June showcase at Schubas, also featuring Rookie and Jude Shuma. 

Post Animal Release "Gelatin Mode" With Hilariously Weird Music Video

Today, Chicago's Post Animal finally released the studio version for their track "Gelatin Mode," which has proved to be a crowd favorite during their live shows. Along with releasing the song on all streaming platforms, the band also put out a hilariously weird video that goes hand in hand with the band's quirky personality. The video features the band members all taking on eccentric roles; Javi Reyes is a magical elf wizard dad, Jake Hirshland and Dalton Allison share a sweet fake nose boop, Matt Williams takes Dalton and his sword out with just a hat, and Wes Toledo proves that lime green really is his color. And there's more...Check out the whole surreal video below to see it all. 

Post Animal will be on tour throughout the summer following the April 20th release of their debut album When I Think Of You In A Castle, via Polyvinyl. Pre-order the album here, and see all of their tour dates here. If you're in Chicago, do not miss their show at Lincoln Hall. Grab tickets here. 

Thumbnail image by Pooneh Ghana

Former Faces Music Video Feature: "Forc# Fi#lds"

Los Angeles' Former Faces have just released their new single "Forc# Fi#lds," along with an accompanying music video. Talking about the song, the band say it is "about reconciling the past and opening up to the future. It’s about letting your guard down and being wide awake to new relationships, ideas, and endeavors." The band's vocalist and frontman Ryan Parmenter adds, "It’s among the first we crafted as a band and is steeped in sentimentality. The imagery in the Forc# Fi#lds music video was originally featured in Gerald McDermott’s 1966 animated short, ‘Sun Flight: the Myth of Daedalus and His Son, Icarus.’ Upon first viewing, I became an instant fan of McDermott’s unique style. Tailoring his brilliant vision of the classic myth to our song was an honor."

In honor of their new music video, Parmenter and the band put together a list of some of their favorite music videos from the past and present. Check them all out and read a bit about why these videos are engrained in Former Faces' minds below!

Photo by IAN FLANIGAN

5 favorite music videos between the 90's - early 2000's

Fiona Apple - Criminal (1997)

To say teenage me had a crush on Fiona Apple would be a grave understatement. This video is so damn sexy and dirty. Watching it now makes me miss being young.

Guns N' Roses - November Rain (1992)

My next door neighbor growing up was a huge Guns N' Roses fan and brought me along for the ride. I distinctly remember watching this video with him when it premiered on MTV.  It's fantastically melodramatic, over the top, and just perfectly early 90's. Watching Slash rip that solo outside the church remains a religious experience.

The White Stripes - Fell In Love With A Girl (2002)

The White Stripes were the epitome of cool in the early 2000s. Their music was raw, their persona was mysterious, and their videos were unique and memorable. Plus, Meg gave me bedroom eyes at Cha Cha Lounge in 2005 ;)

Paul Simon - You Can Call Me Al (1986)

I know this came out in the 80's but I first viewed it in the 90's so I'm taking some liberties and including it on my list! The odd couple pairing of Simon and Chase is brilliant and cracks me up every time. This song is just so fun and still gives me a feeling of pure nostalgic joy. And that bass line... are you kidding me?! 

Gorillaz - Clint Eastwood (2001)

Gorillaz are one of my all-time favorites. They created a unique sound seemingly effortlessly that has aged incredibly well. This video introduced them to the world and we remain grateful.

5 favorite videos of the last ten years

Fever Ray - When I Grow Up (2009)

Karin Dreijer is one of my favorite aliens. I'm glad she chose to land her spaceship on Earth and make music here. I'd never heard a song like this before it came out. The video, while simple, is very impactful. A mysterious young conjurer summons life from the depths of a pool. I can relate...

Tame Impala - Feels Like We Only Go Backwards (2012)

I love visceral, visually stimulating music videos and Tame Impala has no shortage of them. I've dabbled in collage art over the years and marvel at the time and focus directors Joe Pelling & Becky Sloan must have put into creating this aesthetic. Coupled with Kevin's uniquely cool vibe, this video narrowly edges out The Less I Know the Better as my favorite of theirs.

Chet Faker - Gold (2014)

Fluid perpetual motion and beautiful women roller skate dancing? Yes please. Simple, sexy, and mesmerizing, this video flies by every time. Oh yeah, and dude can siiiiing!

Portugal. The Man - Sleep Forever (2011)

A dog's gotta eat... I love this band, love this song, and love this video. The homage Portugal. The Man pay to their homeland Alaska and the fable-like theme of this short film make it a memorable and impactful work of art.

David Bowie - Black Star (2015)

The most epic of swan songs, a powerful and profound goodbye. As beautiful, haunting, and iconic as David Bowie himself.

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Last but not least, check out the video for "Forc# Fi#lds" below!

PREMIERE: Thompson Springs Veltway Sessions

The Chicago-via-Madison trio Thompson Springs released their new EP Fond Regards on August 10th. Grooving guitar riffs and infectious rock melodies guide the five-track EP, which features Wilco's Pat Sansone and was mixed by Rob Laakso of Kurt Vile and the Violators. The trio, composed of Matt Smith, Andy Goitia, and Jacob Bicknase also recently recorded a live version of one of the tracks, "Overloadin' My Heart," at a Veltway Session. To celebrate their European tour, we're bringing you the exclusive first look at their session here. 

Thompson Springs' European tour starts Wednesday. See all of the dates below.

10/11 Cologne, DE  Kulturcafe Lichtung
10/12 Berlin, DE  Artliners Berlin w/ Rosie Haden
10/13 Copenhagen, DK  Studenterhuset
10/14 Svendborg, DK  Spillestedet Harder's
10/15 Malmo, SE  Folk å Rock (Official)
10/16 Breda, NL  Sofar Sounds Breda
10/18 Aachen, DE  Langer Turm
10/19 Luxembourg City, LUX  Crossfire - The Nordic Bar
10/20 Brussels, BE House Show
10/22 Utrecht, NL Tivoli

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Last week, we also caught a live set from Thompson Springs at Subterranean. Check out some portraits and live shots from that show here. Photos by Catalina Florea

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Thompson Springs will return for a hometown show on November 5th and Schubas Tavern. Grab tickets here. 

Friendship, Relationships, and Memory: Bastille Drop Their Highly Anticipated Video For New Single "Glory"

"Friendship, relationships and memory is the ball park we're aiming for," Bastille's frontman Dan Smith tweeted in early April, revealing his take on the band's brand new video for "Glory," out today. 

I hope we do it justice for you. Friendship, relationships and memory is the ball park we're aiming for.

— BASTILLE (@bastilledan) April 8, 2017

Filmed in Texas while Bastille brought their "Wild, Wild World Tour" to America this past Spring, the video for Bastille's fifth single from Wild World evokes a strong sense of nostalgia using the themes that Smith set up. Playing on the lyrics "stories told to me, and stories told to you," the video depicts the common narrative of two people in a relationship, be it platonic or romantic, recalling the same memory from varying perspectives. Starring Smith and May Daniels, the five minute clip begins with Daniels and Smith sharing a drink and reminiscing while they lay on the hood of a car, watching planes fly by above. The story line unfolds in subtitles; As the pair recall partying in a dive bar, stealing a car, and jumping into pools, viewers see these flashbacks of the relationship between Daniels' and Smith's characters from both of their points of view. 

As with most of Bastille's work, Smith's appreciation of film shines through in this music video, from the layered story line down to the camera shots that add such a depth to the song. The music video comes across as more like a trailer for an indie drama, holding more weight than most music videos these days.  Never a band to do things the traditional way, Bastille also teased the video for days before the release, with Smith posting polaroids taken on set, which further evoke a sense of nostalgia and memories. 

Image Courtesy of Bastille

With every listen of "Glory," I've always been reminded of memories of friendship and late nights, which ties in so closely to the story portrayed in the music video. To Smith's point in his tweet, they have definitely done it justice. Watch the video below.

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