Video of The Day: Muzz

There’s a bunch of videos out there. Some of them are good. Some of them are a cut above. I like to think my picks for Video of The Day are a cut (or two) above.

I don't know about you, but I enjoy seeing creative co-mingling amongst bands. It's of great interest to see how individuals from different bands come together with other individuals, to see what happens when they work together on something new. New trio Muzz is one such sonic conglomeration, featuring the instantly recognizable vocals of Interpol's Paul Banks, along with partners in crime Josh Kaufman (Bonny Light Horsemen) and Matt Barrick (The Walkmen). When it comes to Muzz, the parts are pretty great, the sum even better.

Banks refers to Muzz as, "a three-headed monster," which feels pretty right on (he's talking more about collaboration between the three, but the phrase definitely works for the sonic output of each). The band's latest single, "Knuckleduster," carries with it sounds of modern anxiety, an all-too familiar sense of darkness that's constantly searching for something lighter. Shifting rhythms and especially dynamic drums (courtesy Matt Barrick) create a captivating noise that marries together elements of earthy folk, dark city glamour, and nervy, urbane slink. The song almost seems to end on a question mark, winding down but feeling almost open-ended.

The video, recorded in the basement of a museum, keeps it simple but stylish. The anonymity of the basement and the lack of any gimmicks keep the focus on the sounds. As Banks describes it, "hair was greener and times were simpler back then."

You'll find "Knuckleduster" on the forthcoming self-titled Muzz debut, out next week on Matador (pre-order your copy here).   

[posted 5.28.20]