Directed by Kyle Garrett

Warning – This review may contain spoilers.

Old Death is the music video for Car Colors’ debut single, which is the new project by Charles Bissell of The Wrens. From the start, the video pulls you into its haunting and reflective atmosphere, using the framework of an old, detuned television to explore themes of time, memory, and mortality. The video feels like a visual poem, capturing the introspective and emotional tone of Bissell’s journey. It’s a meditation on how we spend our time and the cost of those decisions—a theme that resonates deeply with the human experience.

I found the music video visually stunning. The lighting, cinematography, and editing work beautifully together to create an almost ethereal mood. The slow, tracking shots and repetitive action may seem simple on their own, but when combined with the song’s atmosphere, they create something quite captivating. However, I did notice that the repetitive nature of the visuals could become a weakness in the middle of the video, where I felt the pace lagged a bit. While the simplicity adds to the video’s elegance, a few more varied shots could have broken up the monotony in the middle. Still, the production design and the overall vision were clear and well-executed, which kept me engaged until the end.

While most elements were excellent, the sound mixing left me struggling a bit. The music itself was compelling, but I had difficulty understanding some of the lyrics because the instruments seemed louder than the vocals. It felt like the vocals were competing with the rest of the sound, which took away from the emotional impact of the lyrics. After listening again, I got a clearer sense of the song’s message about time and how it affects our choices, but I wish it hadn’t taken a second viewing to grasp that fully.

I think music lovers and those who appreciate artistic, introspective music videos would really connect with Old Death. It’s not a straightforward, fast-paced video, but rather a visual experience that makes you think and reflect. While some might feel it’s a bit drawn out, especially with the repetitive visual motifs, the overall piece is thoughtful and visually engaging. For those who enjoy music videos that feel like an artistic journey rather than just a song with images, this one will likely leave a lasting impression.

Directed by Ryan Margetts

Die Shiny’s Sacrament is a visually arresting and deeply emotional exploration of self-discovery in the wake of religious trauma. The music video complements the mystical, ethereal nature of the electropop track, creating an otherworldly experience that resonates both visually and sonically. The video follows a protagonist, played by Callie Crofts (also the lead singer of Die Shiny), as she navigates the intense process of rediscovering herself after grappling with the confines of her past religious experiences.

One of the standout elements of Sacrament is its stunning cinematography and lighting. Margetts, who also served as the director of photography, employs a blend of dark, moody lighting and surreal imagery to evoke the emotional weight of the song. The use of light and shadow mirrors the internal struggle of the character, highlighting the contrast between the protagonist’s past and her journey toward self-realization. The visual metaphors and religious symbolism in the video enhance the overall theme, making the video an engaging narrative that draws the viewer in.

The electropop sound of Sacrament perfectly matches the tone of the video, with a haunting melody that underscores the emotional intensity of the lyrics. The sound is crisp and clear, allowing the vocal performance to shine. The mystical quality of the music further accentuates the idea of transcending religious trauma, providing an atmospheric backdrop for the visuals. While the genre may not appeal to everyone, especially those who aren’t fans of electropop, the combination of music and visuals elevates the project beyond just the song itself.

Sacrament boldly tackles the difficult subject of religious trauma, using symbolic imagery and personal reflection to convey the pain and eventual healing of the protagonist. The music video does an excellent job of making this emotional journey relatable to anyone who has experienced similar struggles. The powerful visual storytelling coupled with the music makes this a compelling piece that will resonate with many viewers, even as it may prove divisive in religious circles due to its sensitive subject matter.

Sacrament is a visually and emotionally captivating music video that explores self-discovery and the aftermath of religious trauma with grace and depth. The collaboration creates a memorable visual experience that perfectly complements Die Shiny’s atmospheric song. This music video will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on its audience, particularly for those who connect with its themes of healing and liberation.