Muzz’s introduction have been an earnest wall of sounds, embracing the warmth of the ’70s alongside the indie rock arrangement of the 2000s –which comes as no surprise considering it stems from the minds of Paul Banks (Interpol), Josh Kaufman (producer/multi-instrumentalist from the folk-group Bonny Light Horseman), and Matt Barrick (drummer of Jonathan Fire*Eater, The Walkmen, and Fleet Foxes’ touring band).
The musical entity sees the artists spill their charitistical charms onto a new lamination of melodies that proved prosperous on their gorgeous introduction “Bad Feeling.” Sharing their first video for their latest track “Red Western Sky,” Muzz meets at the crossroads of pristine excitement and adored experience. True to the nature of its members, the prominently dark and poetic cuts enlighten listeners to the first capstone of Muzz, who are set to release their self-titled debut record via Matador on June 5.
On “Red Western Sky” we welcome a lurking modulation of instrumentation. It almost becomes painfully simple to listen to how well the trio complements each other throughout their theatrical songwriting on the track. Keys disarms Banks’ signature vocals, which find a new comfort in the accents of brass horns, returning back home to Barrick’s organic drumming found at the helm of his traditional grip.
There’s a larger resonance to the impassioned and golden-tinted saunter of the track though that transcends well onto its visual. Directed and produced by the band, the cautiously abandoned lead of the video stirs the past and innocence from its setting at the American Treasure Tour Museum. Surrounded by aged trinkets and an assortment of clowns, that could very well distress a few, the video takes the collective youth of Muzz and shows them breathing new air.
Immersing themselves heavily into the video possibly answers the track’s own questioning. Conceptually, “Red Western Sky” waivers the imagery of finding purpose and direction, constantly looking for a sign (“Red western sky show me what to do / Give me time to cry, give me long nights through”). There’s comfort in this sentiment that grounds the video and its visual introduction of the band.
The creative outlet of Muzz might be new to listeners, but very well reads as an old friendship, and with “Red Western Sky” there’s a trinket of sage wisdom that comes to mind. One of a mother’s lines that boast of finding what you’re looking for once you stop looking. Safe to say Banks, Kaufman, and Barrick have found a new version of themselves with Muzz.
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