The new video from Canadian hardcore crew Counterparts reminds us it's the quiet ones you have to watch out for.
What's always set Counterparts apart from the pack is their thoughtfulness. The Ontario-based quintet have never relied on machismo or posturing to define them; instead, their music and lyrics have always examined a more introspective side of hardcore, looking at one's very human faults and truths. It's this unusual self-awareness that has made their upcoming new album, Nothing Left To Love, one of 2019's most anticipated releases, and has made them a band even traditional fans look to for innovation within the scene.
The band's latest video, Paradise And Plague, is all about Counterparts's unusually poetic side. Technically, the whole thing is performance footage -- but you never see the faces of the band members. Instead, they play behind a lone figure at a desk, running his hands over his face in frustration and staring at a globe. The anger in the video is even all the more palpable because it's subdued and feels bigger than your typical furious outburst; one wonders if the guy sitting there is God and Counterparts are the voice in his head.
READ THIS: Counterparts are some of hardcore's most old-school innovators
We spoke to vocalist Brendan Murphy about the motivation behind the video and what went into its creation:
What was the concept behind this video? Did you come to the director with an idea?
I’m always a fan of doing simple music videos. Partly because I think if done correctly, they’re just as effective, and also because it means we can shoot a video in a couple hours instead of a full day, and we’re all pretty lazy. I came up with the idea one day while I was driving the van on the last tour and going over ideas with Trey.
How was the actor front and center directed? What were his instructions?
Honestly, it seemed like they just let him do his thing. His direction was to just look concerned and miserable, and act irrational.
Was it weird being in a music video where none of your faces are shown?
Nah, I prefer it. It’s kinda hard to look nice while you’re running around over and over again for a few hours. I wanted the focus on the actor, not us. You guys know what we look like.
How do you feel the video represents the track, and where the band are now?
Honestly, I’m not sure if it 'matches the track' per say. I think it’s a depressing visual paired with a depressing song and it does the job. Relating to where the band are now, I’m not sure we as a whole could be considered 'miserable' we’re just doing our thing and dealing with the bullshit as it comes.
Watch Paradise And Plague below:
Counterparts's new album, Nothing Left To Love, comes out Friday, November 1, on Pure Noise, and is available for preorder.
October
25 San Diego, CA @ Soma *
26 Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction *
27 Sacramento, CA @ Holy Diver *
29 Portland, OR @ Bossanova Ballroom *
31 Seattle, WA @ El Corazon *
November
2 Salt Lake City, UT @ The Greek Station *
3 Denver, CO @ The Oriental Theater *
5 Austin, TX @ Come and Take It Live *
6 Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey Bar N Grill *
7 Houston, TX @ Studio at Warehouse Live *
9 Margate, FL @ O’Malley’s Sports Bar *
10 Tampa, FL @ Crowbar *
11 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade *
13 Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge *
14 Cleveland, OH @ Phantasy Nightclub *
15 Detroit, MI @ The Shelter *
16 Pittsburgh, PA @ The Rex Theater *
17 Buffalo, NY @ Rec Room *
19 Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage *
20 Philadelphia, PA @ The Foundry @ The Fillmore *
21 Richmond, VA @ The Canal Club *
22 New York, NY @ Gramercy Theatre *
23 Worcester, MA @ The Palladium *
