Directed by Isaac Rentz, Joywave have created a pitch perfect parody of a big-pharma commercial, while sublimely addressing the theme of misplaced resiliency at work within the track. The clip follows the story of a despondent character who is subjected to some of life’s difficulties and is convinced to take the so-called miracle solution ‘Brushitall’, a tongue-in-cheek product invented by the group, derived from the chorus’ lyrics.
Vocalist Daniel Armbruster spoke to The Fader about the concept, explaining, “We were obsessed with the idea of creating the worst, most literal, tasteless commercial sync for the song possible. We bounced back and forth between a prescription medication ad and a toothpaste spot. Big pharma won out”.
The band have even created their very own ‘Brushitall’ website here - https://www.brushitall.com/
As the video progresses, obsession takes over signalling his loss of control. This idea highlights the overall connotation of Possession, linking together it’s 12 tracks to reveal the album’s core messages.
Each track speaks to the noise surrounding us. “Our heads are spinning. Every day is crazier than the last. Every screen we walk by is shouting at us, demanding our undivided attention. Control over our own lives is constantly under siege”, notes Armbruster.
Possession explores these themes at both a societal and personal level, ultimately encouraging listeners to zoom out and see the big picture. It was recorded and produced at the band’s studio in Rochester, NY, by Armbruster and mixed by Dan Grech-Marguerat (The Killers, Liam Gallagher, Lana Del Rey).
Continuing with the band’s creative use of noteworthy samples and field recordings, Possessionis woven together with audio from Voyager’s Golden Record (launched by NASA in 1977). Curated by Dr. Carl Sagan and affixed to the front of Voyager 1 and Voyager 2, the disc was designed to convey a basic understanding of humanity to intelligent lifeforms in far corners of the universe and was also the inspiration for the album artwork.
‘Half Your Age’ is the latest in a series of new music released by the band over the past 6 months. All tracks were accompanied by equally imaginative videos, ranging from the emotionally charged ‘Like A Kennedy’ to the wildly creative montage of fictitious movie title cards for ‘Obsession’ and the visually playful Claymation video for ‘Blank Slate’, all streaming now via the band’s official YouTube channel.
At the end of 2019 Joywave returned to the UK for their first headline show in several years, playing to a sold out crowd at London’s The Lexington as part of their series of intimate live performances aptly titled “The Possession Sessions”. They also joined Bastille on a major North American run, adding to their already impressive live resumé, which includes the likes of The Killers, Young the Giant, Cold War Kids, Walk the Moon, Bleachers, Metric, Sir Sly, Bishop Briggs, Thirty Seconds To Mars, and next month PVRIS.
The UK dates include Glasgow, Manchester and a show at London’s Brixton Electric on February 20th before heading out to Europe. The band will then embark on two US headline tours in support of the album throughout March, April and May.
Joywave’s unique outlook and inventive interpretation of pop demonstrates a band that are at the top of their game. Their intelligent artistry and undeniably addictive music draws them out from the crowds with the upcoming album Possession set to take them to new heights in 2020.
PVRIS SUPPORT TOUR
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020
18th - St Luke’s, Glasgow UK
19th - Gorilla, Manchester UK
20th - Brixton, Electric London UK
22nd - Melkweg, Amsterdam NL
23rd - Trix, Antwerp BE
24th - La Machine du Moulin Rouge, Paris FR
26th -La Laiterie, Strasbourg FR
27th - Volta, Cologne DE
28th - Kunst, Hamberg DE
1st - Lido, Berlin DE
