Imagine a video that is a splash between the stark, gritty action of A Fistful of Dollars, the hyper realised themes of vengeance from Kill Bill and the dreariness of Wuthering Heights. Sounds rather cheery right?
When we first laid eyes on the video for Dead for a moment it felt like watching the trailer for Tarantino’s latest The Hateful Eight. Scruffy, dirty characters. Check. Stylish direction. Check. Murderous intentions. Check. Killer Soundtrack. Check. Looks like Darts are onto another winner.
With rusty blades and murky eyes Darts get murderous in Dead. Director Timothy Casten knocks it out of the park with this beautifully disturbing clip.
There are two things that are particularly striking about this clip. The first is the incredible cinematography. Rural Australia is one of the most beautiful landscapes to be captured on film, if you’re a naysayer watch Dead and be proved wrong. The barrenness of it all is a character unto itself. No dialogue needed, the landscape’s imposing presence is enough. It’s vibrant without being lush and full of life without being sappy. Which is also a great way to describe Darts! Props to director Timothy Casten and cinematographer Anthony Koreny, the pair have nailed the desperate, desolate feel for this vid.
There’s very little backstory given for the narrative that unfolds. Out protagonist, who could easily be our antagonist, wanders barefoot through the countryside fazed by the flashes of murder he has committed as he constantly looks over his shoulder for any ghosts that may appear. When he does confront his adversary what follows is a gritty scuffle that can only end one way. For a clip that is relatively depressing and seething with violence it is quite beautiful. The quiet countryside provides a quiet counter to the frantic motions of the two men.
The second is Casten’s direction. Good directing may not be the first thing that comes to mind when watching a music video but it is essential when separating the average form the great. This video is great, and it can be attributed to the fact that the man behind the camera has a vision. Casten’s clever use of zooms and quick cuts to flashes of red play up the sense of drama, which like the quiet surrounding hills speaks more than any line of dialogue could.
There’s a franticness in the air, our bearded protagonist’s unstable mind is projected through the direction. Is he lamenting what he has done? Or is he legitimately a homicidal maniac. The choice is wisely left o the audience, as we are simple presented with man who is broken and driven to animalistic instincts of survival.
It comes as no surprise that that Dead is of such a mesmerising quality. The band have taken their time with their projects to produce quality material, and so far they are yet to disappoint. If you haven’t already, be sure to pick up a copy of their debut album Below Empty and Westward Bound, and if you dig it you can catch them on tour starting this month with Alpine as well as their two launch shows in Melbourne and Sydney.
Saturday June 20 – Shadow Electric, Melbourne.
Wednesday June 24 – The Gov, Adelaide with Alpine
Thursday June 25 – Barwon Club, Geelong with Alpine
Friday June 26 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat with Alpine
Saturday June 27 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
