The idiosyncratic English indie band alt-J have released a new cinematic video for “Pleader.” If you don’t already know, alt-J is known for their beautifully intense instrumentals and the distinct vocals of frontman Joe Newman, their lyrics are obscure yet quite profound, and they have also released some pretty artistic mind-boggling music videos. Their newest video release for “Pleader” just may take the cake for most cinematic. It was directed by award winning director Isaiah Seret (MGMT, Norah Jones, Edward Sharpe) and stars Sophia Cookson (Kingsman: The Golden Circle, The Hunstman: Winter’s War, Netflix’s Gypsy) and Morgan Watkins (Kingsman: The Secret Service, BBC’s The Hour.)
The video premiered on NPR on Wednesday (November 15th). “When we set out to make a video for ‘Pleader’,” alt-J tell NPR. “Joe sent the following one line brief to director Isaiah Seret: “a Welsh mining love story; a tidal wave of earth.” What Isaiah came back with was an epic short film, inspired both by the song’s source material and Tarkovsky’s The Sacrifice. A family must pit their desire to have a child against the knowledge that this would destroy their community. The hypnotic, hymnal quality of the song binds the video throughout, hinting at redemption while destruction takes place.”
The song is off of alt-J’s recently released album RELAXER, which they are currently on tour promoting. Watch “Pleader” below.
Photo Credit: Owen Ela
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