Hercules And Love Affair released the video for their new song “Omnion,” today. The song, which has an almost sweet, childish feel to it, accompanies a video that evokes ideas of scenes from a religious grammar school. The lyrics take the form of an ode to the mysterious ‘Omnion.’ A spotlight shines on a figure in a dark place, who asks, “Omnion, are you there?” The figure looks up towards a giant white staircase with no perceivable end. The figure, always looking upwards, delivers the song’s lyrics while walking up the white stairs. The figure passes two children along the way, clearly having come from wherever the figure is headed, they are sullen and changed, inhuman.

The figure passes through a room with two crying children dressed in red robes. The children hold each other and begin jumping up and down on a bed, expressionless. In the next room, the figure passes by a girl, dressed in red, who sits and reads. The figure passes through a third room containing a girl standing underneath an ornate chandelier, staring at a chalkboard. The figure continues, eventually coming to the end of the stairs, which it turns out are underwater. The figure emerges from beneath the surface to a barren landscape of rock, and returns back into the water, likely changed forever.

Hercules And Love Affair started in 2004 as per the vision of DJ Andy Butler to create a project focusing on dance music. Butler, who has always taken an interest in Greek mythology, felt inspired to name his group after the mythological strongman, Hercules. The group consists of an ever changing cast of musicians and performers working within the bounds of house music, techno, and disco. The video for “Omnion,” features Sharon Van Etten, a singer/songwriter from New Jersey, who is known for her use of innovative harmony. Her latest release, the EP, I Don’t Want To Let You Down, came out in 2015 on Jagjaguwar. Of the new song, Van Etten says, “This song is so vulnerable, but strong. Coming to terms with identity and finding community… (in my mind). It’s a very important time to share in that sentiment… I really appreciate Andy reaching out to collaborate. His heart beats in his songs.”

Andy Butler feels blessed for the opportunity to work with Van Etten.

“She is an artist of incredible depth and authenticity and her voice is so inviting yet truly has a mystery about it. Those qualities rendered a beautiful interpretation of a song that is ultimately an appeal to the divine for help and healing. With such a generous spirit and kindness about her, she was a joy to work with.”

Hercules And Love Affairs’ upcoming album, Omnion, is available to preorder here.