New York City-based rock band We Are Scientists have dropped the comical music video for their new single titled “Handshake Agreement.”  The video features a fake internet influencer named “Beef Harmon£y” (played by bassist Chris Cain) who is reviewing the “music video” for the band’s song.

With lyrics like “So much for your etiquette / You’d take exception but you’re trying to be nice / That won’t get you anywhere,” the new single takes a look at social media engagement and conduct. Just like it’s music video, lead vocalist Keith Murray sings over an energetic instrumental to comment on the ridiculousness of online banter and feuds. 

The video is filmed in a YouTube reaction style where “Beef Harmon£y” is speaking to the camera and reacting to the band’s “official music video” for the track. “Harmon£y” provides commentary as he is watching the visuals (which feature Murray performing the song with different backgrounds) before getting upset over the simplicity of the “music video.” He then proceeds to drive to Murray’s home to tell him off. 

However, for a song that seems to be about “beef” and feuds, the arrangement is balanced and uniform. Murray’s smooth vocals are completely audible and complementary to the track’s drums, guitars and bass. 

“Do you ever find yourself in the middle of a passionate argument about politics or art or, like, whether people should ever wear hats (no, they shouldn’t, unless it’s very cold), and suddenly realize that, somehow, you’re making a desperate defense for a position that you don’t even really believe, or care about, or have the slightest bit of real information on?” said Murray about why he wrote “Handshake Agreement.” “Sadly, I’m in this position all too often. It’s a bad habit, and I’m working on it.”

 

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“Handshake Agreement” is available now along with its music video. Their new album Huffy is set to drop on October 8.

Photo credit: Sharon Alagna