A month before their new album, Magnifique, is set to be released, experimental indie rock duo RATATAT released their new music video for “Abrasive” earlier today, demonstrating yet another hit track with their personal signature all over it.
Animated by half of the duo, E.VAX, with over 4,000 illustrations, the video gives the illusion of a white sketchpad covered in doodles moving along to the rhythmic guitar heavy sounds of the newest single.
The video shows drawings in motion, reminiscent of a-ha’s Take On Me video released in the late 80’s. RATATAT’s drawings are more cartoonish and don’t follow a storyline like the drawing’s in a-ha’s video, however, but the idea of a sketchpad in motion was still captured.
There is a bit of disconnect with each of the drawings, showcasing people dancing, singing, riding motorcycles and even pole-vaulting, but the style of the drawings remains the same. Apart from the activities and dance moves each individual is shown doing, it’s as if each person is representing a different time period. One character’s pole-vaulting outfit is reminiscent of the 60’s, while another character is wearing a disco outfit from the 70’s, while other characters’ dance moves were popular in the 80’s.
The only connection throughout the video is certain drawings showing up multiple times, including the drawing of a woman’s high heel-clad feet walking to the beat of the song as her skirt swishes back and forth and a man with long hair dancing a very distinct hip swaying dance. These invariable characters keep the drive of the video, much like the beat of the song itself, constant.
The best bits? There are plenty of action shots between the sports drawings, including a flipping gymnast, an 80’s workout girl clad in the typical high waisted bottoms and sports bra, and an epic karate kick. My favorite parts though, I’ve got to say, are the fireworks towards the end and the animation of crows sitting on wires and then flying away.
This is the second single off of Magnifique after the groovy Cream on Chrome was released back in April along with its music video.
RATATAT is known for their continuous rhythm. Practically every song released is another set of constant beats that repeat until the song is complete. “Abrasive” is no different, following repetitive yet complex guitar chords that move the song in RATATAT’s signature sound.
Magnifique is the duo’s fifth studio album and is available for purchase July 17, 2015.
You can watch the video for “Abrasive” below.
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