Last year, indie-pop duo Sylvan Esso released two excellent songs, a preview of things to come on their forthcoming sophomore album, which is due out later this year. The pop culture takedown “Radio” was coupled with the studio release of a long-time staple in the band’s live shows, “Kick Jump Twist.” The band performed “Radio” on The Tonight Show last month, and today the band has given us the music video for “Kick Jump Twist.”
The video, which you can watch above, was directed by Mimi Cave and features dancer Gary Reagan contorting his body along to the song’s minimal, percussive electronics in a visual that’s both immensely beautiful, and just a little eerie. Cave explained in a statement:
We shot the video two days after the election, and we were all very much having our own processes with what had happened. Everything was so fresh that the crew’s moods were generally a mix of deer-in-headlights, sadness and anger. At the same time, we couldn’t help but feel a visceral excitement and connection to seeing Gary dance his heart out all day. It was like he was channeling all our chaotic energy into every take.
Sylvan Esso also announced a handful of European tour dates this May, which you can see below. Those are in addition to previously announced performances at Shaky Knees and Boston Calling later that month. Tickets are on sale now via their website.
The followup to the duo’s 2014 self-titled debut, which landed in the top 10 on Paste’s favorite albums of the year and featured our top song of the year, “Hey Mami,” has yet to be announced. You can, however, purchase a 12” single featuring “Radio” and “Kick Jump Twist” here, and read our feature on “Hey Mami” and the band here.
Sylvan Esso Tour Dates:
May
02 – Berlin, Germany @ Schwuz
03 – Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Bitterzoet
04 – London, U.K. @ The Village Underground
05 – Paris, France @ Point Ephemer
12-14 – Atlanta, Ga. @ Shaky Knees Music Festival
26-28 – Boston, Mass. @ Boston Calling Music Festival