We are honoured to premiere the video for the single ‘Devil’s Advocate’ from Brisbane-based band, the delightfully named Platonic Sex.
Opening with raw, expressive vocals and a slamming guitar splash, ‘Devil’s Advocate’ has a sneering attack leavened by a sky scraping vocal range filled with passion and expression, replete with a simple and vital message:
If you can’t stop the violence then I can’t forgive you…
Lead singer Bridget Brandolini wrote the song about what they call an all-too-familiar experience for most women and non-binary people in their personal lives and at work:
By playing Devil’s Advocate for the sake of the debate, men try to separate themselves from the impact of their words. In the song, I want to glue the words back to their mouths and remove their platform for misogyny.
But the message is not simply an excoriating attack on males per se: there is a an invitation for vulnerability compassion and kindness that needs to fuel our world:
Don’t they want to cry? I’d get so fed up if I had to be a ‘tough guy’ all the time. I want the men who listen to our band to recognise there’s worth in tears.
Brandolini also urges a wider message of recognition for the struggles of many to be safe and to be heard:
As we release ‘Devil’s Advocate’, and especially during Pride Month, we want to acknowledge the history of activism by First Nations people and trans women-of-colour, whose dedication to protest won us the privilege to speak out against prejudice safely. As white people, we still have work to do: always was, always will be.
A strong and effective message delivered in a punky attitude-laden blast: ‘Devil’s Advocate’ is ultimately an effervescent hyperactive indie pop delight with a vital beating heart and a serious dollop of compassion in its message.
The accompanying video, directed by Bridget Webb, is a dynamic, enigmatic performance piece by the band, flooded in blood red colours and filled with vibrancy. The shots of the band playing live are interspersed with casual, relaxed sporting scenes. The dark shadows and rouge lend an air of mystery and richness: a sense of comfort, decadence and joy. It is a nice counterpoint to the message in the song: indicating a band that has a touch of humour and a dynamic live presence:
You can download and stream ‘Devil’s Advocate’ from all the usual sites, and as a reflection of their growing status, the band has some very exciting gigs coming up, playing with Backseat Mafia favourites The Beths, Spiderbait and Screamfeeder:
29 July – The Zoo, Brisbane (see below)
31 July – RecLink Community Cup with Screamfeeder, Everton Wolves JAFC (TBA)
5 August – The Princess Theatre, Brisbane (supporting Spiderbait)
13 August – Sonic Masala Fest – The Triffid, Brisbane
17 September – The Triffid, Brisbane (supporting The Beths)
Platonic Sex are Bridget Brandolini, Jane Millroy, Mikaela Hain and Ryan Hammermeister.
Feature Photograph: James Caswell
