After delighting us with the single ‘The Overflow’ last month (see my review here), New Zealand dream popsters extraordinaire French For Rabbits have just announced the release of their new album ‘The Overflow’ for 12 November 2021 and sweetened the deal with another shimmering luminescent single, ‘Ouija Board’.
‘Ouija Board’ is a gentler, more reflective track with a fey, dreamy atmosphere and a wry sense of humour about hitting rock bottom – there is nowhere else to go from here but up. Splashing guitars and ethereal vocals combine to form something sparkling, aquatic and flowing.
The accompanying video is a beautiful and surreal work of art that matches the gentle tone and melancholy atmosphere.
The video was created by long-time French for Rabbits collaborator and friend Misma Andrews, and two of Aotearoa’s most creative filmmakers Martin Sagadin (the artist behind many of Aldous Harding and Womb’s videos) and Ezra Simons. Shot on 16mm film and starring the magical and melancholic masks by Oamaru artist Donna Demente, parallel characters exist in both black and white and colour realities. ‘Ouija Board’ harks back to the Dada and Surrealist movements and draws inspiration from Derek Jarman’s film work, particularly the short film Shadow of the Sun. Director Misma Andews said:
The video paints a scene where a fanciful but bureaucratic process for traveling through worlds is carried out.
It is as dreamy and fantastical as the song:
‘The Overflow’ is being released on 12 November 2021 via Reckless Yes in the UK, Europe, and North America, AAA Records in NZ and Australia, and A Modest Proposal in Italy .
You can download or stream “Ouija Board’ here or through the link below:
Feature Photograph: Lily Paris
