Oakland-based art-poppers Tune-Yards have just released a new single titled “ABC 123” along with an accompanying dystopian music video. The fidgety new song is comes with a woodwork-centric video, full with unnerving visuals and sweet harmonies.
The song, penned by bandleader Merrill Garbus, is lyrically dark, denoting a “sixth extinction” as “California’s burning down,” which hits all too close to home in light of the recent fires by the 405 and Bel-Air. That being said, the song is instrumentally about as sweet and tuneful as it gets. The band establishes a powerful groove that keeps listeners’ heads moving throughout the entire song.
Garbus spends most of the video as a disembodied head, walking us through her brand-new version of the ABCs. The clip, directed by “Dear Mr Quistgaard,” somewhat embodies the dystopian narrative that the Garbus sings of, but perfectly emulates the bright instrumentation.
The band has a new album on the way in January, titled I can feel you creep into my private life, a new duo lineup, and a busy spring touring schedule, putting the band in a strong place for 2018.
I can feel you creep into my private life, Tune-Yards’ fourth studio album, is the first to count Garbus’ long-time collaborator Brenner as a full member of the band. The Tune-Yards will also be touring the U.S. throughout next February and March, with accompaniment from percussionist Hamir Atwal. You’ll find their 2018 tour dates listed below.
Watch the video for “ABC 123” below.
Photo Credit: Raymond Flotat