Though it’s not the most common approach, many artists have sought more depth and uniqueness from their music videos by imbuing them with a story element. The newest Interpol singles, from their upcoming 2022 album, use a balance of connected storyline with traditional artful editing and choreography to evoke the mysterious, propulsive moods of the tracks. Here’s what to expect from the characters’ journey across the new Interpol songs “Toni” and “Something Changed.”
A young couple square off against grungy hoodlums and a policeman played by lead vocalist/guitarist Paul Banks in a surreal confrontation.
The two main characters, played by unknown actors Ally O’Neil and Gabriel Perez, are cornered by a dancing gang of ripped jean-clad villains, all while Banks’ character watches and waits for something to happen while eating an orange. The song itself seems somewhat hopeful but in a sort of knowingly futile way.
The couple is now completely naked, and Banks’s character pursues them along with music that now seems more resigned but still uneasy. The ending is not necessarily positive or negative, and highly up to individual interpretation.
Interpol has never been known for standout music videos, often using the classic “band playing amid something else going on” method for early hits like “Obstacle 1” and newer songs like “All The Rage Back Home.” One memorably unique old creation from the band is the music video for “Evil,” which involves a singing animatronic puppet being taken to the hospital after a car accident. Fans consider it a must-see, and it has become the most infamous of Interpol’s videos.
Look out for a unique direction from Interpol with their new album The Other Side of Make-Believe, out everywhere on July 15th, 2022.