Larlin share the new video for ‘Sondheim’, a journey through their native Brighton that offers a striking yet beautifully simple visual counterpart to the track’s lyricism.
Written about chronic dissociation and its impact on identity, ‘Sondheim’ brings together a restrained, organic soundscape drawing from indie, pop and alternative-rock, centred around vocalist and lead member Maryann Hoar’s candid songwriting.
From the strummed acoustic guitar and fragile vocals of the verse, the track bursts into life as the chorus arrives, its renewed energy contrasting with Hoar’s reflective and controlled delivery. A wall of biting guitars pulls the song forward with a chugging sense of purpose, while retaining the melodic sensibility at the heart of its pop-rock sound.
That momentum carries into a punchy middle eight, where Hoar’s visceral, soaring vocals mirror the driving intensity of crashing cymbals and distorted guitar tones. The arrangement then pulls back sharply before erupting into one final, anthemic chorus.
Created to deepen the themes at the heart of the track, the ‘Sondheim’ video captures the unsettling feeling of being disconnected from the world around you, of moving through life while feeling rooted to the spot, detached from yourself and those around you, and questioning what is real.
Shot with a vintage VHS aesthetic, the video draws on the dreamlike quality of old home recordings and fragmented memories. Its lo-fi visual language mirrors the song’s themes of identity, nostalgia and emotional distance, creating a world that feels simultaneously familiar and strangely unreachable.
“With ‘Sondheim’, I tried to encapsulate the complex feelings of not always feeling real,” explains Maryann. “I wanted to express how easy it is to have your opinions swayed when caught up in this mindset, and let others’ views of you override your sense of self.”
Formed in Brighton in 2024, Larlin have quickly established themselves as one of the South Coast’s most exciting emerging acts. Combining melancholic lyricism, pop-rock sensibilities and a love for shoegaze-inspired textures, the band have already attracted support from KEXP, Radio X, and BBC Introducing.
Their growing reputation has also been strengthened by standout performances at The Alternative Escape, Sofar Sounds and TMT Showcase, where their immersive, high-energy live shows have helped translate the emotional intensity of their recordings to the stage.
Watch the new video below:
