See Laura Jane Grace's twist on horror and fear in her new music video
Against Me! leader Laura Jane Grace is unveiling a brand new music video for the track “The Swimming Pool Song” released earlier this year.
The track is from her latest solo album Stay Alive which was surprise-released in October after being recorded amid the ongoing pandemic.
Read more: Dance Gavin Dance are shutting down traffic for their next performance
The video depicts a woman in a soaking bloody dress (poet Hannah Gamble) being chased by a masked figure. When the figure catches up to her, she begins laughing maniacally highlighting the meaning of the song.
It’s like a reverse plot for a slasher film with the person being chased becoming the villain of the story. At the end, the masked figure breaks the fourth wall pointing back to the viewer and walking towards them.
It was directed by Emulsion Lab and also features acting from Grace along with Gamble. While short and simple, the video captures its message succinctly but with a wonderfully chilling aesthetic.
Speaking on the track’s video and meaning, Grace explains it by reminding us first impressions aren’t always right.
“Like how in a dream, sometimes whatever fear it is that you’re running from isn’t actually anything to be afraid of at all. Or like how in life sometimes we couldn’t be more wrong about first impressions and the way things will turn out.”
You can check out Laura Jane Grace’s video for the track in the player below.
This year, Grace spent time working with producer Steve Albini at Electrical Audio to put together the record after touring plans were put on hold. With recording plans for Against Me! but no way to have bandmates together, Grace explored her solo work. The album was recorded straight to analog tape in just four days. On top of that, it all came together with just an acoustic guitar and sparse drum machine sections. It’s a pure, no-nonsense record with loads of meaningful messages and catchy songs.
Read more: Chris Cornell’s iconic ‘Superunknown’ guitar is up for auction
“I sat around for a month-and-a-half at a home just being shell-shocked being like. ‘What the fuck happened and what the fuck is happening with the world?’ As I started to get my bearings, I just came to the realization that waiting was going to kill the record and kill the songs. I spent two years working on all these songs, and the idea of throwing them away didn’t sit well with me.” says Grace. “But then I was like, ‘What am I waiting for?’ All I have to do is adjust my scope. I can sit here on my fucking ass and do nothing, or I can work.”
Physical copies of the album will be available via Polyvinyl on Dec. 11 while the full record can be streamed digitally now.
What do you think of the new Laura Jane Grace music video? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
