Watch Death From Above 1979’s New Video for ‘Virgins’
Death From Above 1979 have just premiered their new video for "Virgins," which you can watch above. One of the most ingeniously provocative music videos to come down the pike in a long time, "Virgins" has all the makings of an instant classic, the kind of video that establishes a permanent place in collective pop-culture memory right out of the gate. We'll see whether "Virgins" catches on to that degree, but it certainly deserves to.
The video takes place in what appears to be an Amish (or possibly Mennonite or Quaker) community where two young would-be lovebirds end up at a rowdy rock show; the story gets more outlandish from there but ends on a wholesome note. Further, though the eye-popping imagery plays on this culture's isolation from mainstream American society, director Eva Michon leans more toward playful provocation than poor taste.
In a statement issued via Warner Bros., bandmates Jesse Keeler and Sebastien Grainger explained that the vibe they were trying to convey was one of innocence:
The video takes cues from the lyrics of the song, which are a meditation on innocence and coming of age. That very precarious time in life when sex is elusive -- maybe even frightening -- but always compelling.
The press release cryptically states, "More to come tomorrow [April 29] when you visit DFA1979's official website."
Death From Above 1979 begin a U.S. tour in early May, followed by a run of European festival dates, after which the Canadian duo will appear on select dates with the Deftones, Incubus, and the Bots -- with a stop at Lollapalooza thrown in for good measure. The band's complete schedule is listed here.