After premiering with Dazed Digital earlier this week and coinciding with the band being selected in Dazed and Confused's much coveted "Dazed 100" list, We Are Shining have revealed the latest visual installment from their debut album. The video to Road is an entrancing live rehearsal of the band and Shingai Shoniwa performing the track combined with watery visual effects from director, Carl Addy.
On the video, Carl explained...
"The song has a strong psychedelic feel to it, I wanted the promo to be a modern take on vintage film techniques, hinting at old seventies Psycherock, but with a more distinct London eclecticism. Cinematic grainy footage re-appropriated in a modern context. The guiding concept was to imagine this video playing out in a puddle at the side of a road, small moments of clarity amongst abstract shapes and lights. Trippy reoccurring flashbacks matching the music's looping soundscape. All the effects were shot in camera. A technique using projected footage reflected onto water and varying surfaces like molasses and perspex, manipulated by hand in time to the music."
After turning heads everywhere with the bluesy cool of single 'Hot Love', the band return with this new cut of sizzling psychadelia which sees Acyde share vocal duties with Shinghai Shoniwa (of the Noisettes). With a red-blooded rhythm section, 'Road' perfectly encapsulates the duo's fearless attitude towards creating a sonic tapestry of diverse influences and styles.
Comprised of singer, producer and well-reputed DJ, Acyde and Morgan (known for productions released through legendary label Hyperdub), the duo came together over an affinity for a broad range of musical inspirations from Afro-beat to the Blues. With previous collaborations ranging from Eliza Doolittle to FKA Twigs, as well as appearances on Boiler Room and hosting their own NTS show, We Are Shining have found themselves as staples within London's vibrant music scene.
Now the band are ready to step into the limelight with the release of 'Road' from their forthcoming LP 'Kara', which perfectly reflects the band's fascination with the supernatural as well as the album's themes of mysticism. Already deemed Rough Trade's 'Album of the Month' in August, as well as including an eclectic mix of guests from Roses Gabor to Andrea Balency, 'Kara' is an exciting step from a band willing to push into new frontiers.
Credits
Director (Reflection Concept): Carl Addy
Directors (Rehearsal Footage): Nick Chappell & Joshua Carpenter
DOPs: Nick Chappell & Joshua Carpenter
Producer: James Stanson
Editor: Hugo Vaughan-Hughes
Camera Assistant: Neill Francis
Lighting: McDeath
Production Company: Rattling Stuff at Rattling Stick
Chief of Stuff: Andy Orrick
Post-Production / VFX Company: The Mill
Colourist: Matthew Osborne
Animation: Alfred Bodine Huergo Wagner, Diogo Pinheiro
Design: Alexandra T. Pelham