It’s a fun-filled dance party that channels the vibe of a wacky, imaginative kids’ TV program. tUnE-yArDs new video for “Water Fountain” is a catchy, syncopated rhyme that keeps the energy going strong for almost three and a half minutes and through dozens of split second images and graphics that almost seem to pop off the screen at times.
Of course, the new video is out in advance of the new tUnE-yArDs album Nikki Nack which is set for a May 6th release date. It will be the third studio album for tUnE-yArDs innovator Merrill Garbus (who sings, creates the drum beats and adds to the beats with a heavy dose of ukulele), and electric bass player Nate Brenner. The band brought fans 2009’s Bird-Brains, followed by 2011’s w h o k I l l, and the third release promises to be even crazier and more musically unique than the first two. tUnE-yArDs have never been a band to shy away from creative and even silly song and video choices, but the video for “Water Fountain” may top much of their past work in that regard.
“Water Fountain” is a colorful explosion of sound and imagery. Shot on an elaborate stage set that resembles a kids’ show a la “Yo Gabba Gabba,” Garbus interacts with a one-eyed puppet leaning over a red couch with eyes and fangs that make it look like it has a face. Cut-out letters are superimposed on a moving, patterned background, and Garbus herself sits in the middle of the set, playing with finger puppets and looking every bit like a kids’ TV show host. It’s a fun, carefree track, and the video includes everything from complex animation to a break-out dance party, to a science lesson to go along with the children’s show theme.
The release of “Water Fountain” comes as the band is in the middle of a massive spring and summer tour. They’re making the rounds of North America before hitting up a few summer festivals and finishing up the summer by traveling to Europe. It’s hard to keep up with everything that’s going on with tUnE-yArDs, but in their newest video release, they’ve managed to capture the visual elements that are sure to bring everyone back to their favorite childhood shows and maybe even make them feel a little like kids again in the process.
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