Shampoo’s debut LP, Terrible Heat, is still very much on a loop at Immersive, so it’s convenient that their new video features one of our favorite tracks from the record. “Shy Guy” is certainly one of the album’s more energetic cuts, but the surreal hand-centric video encapsulates the detailed dreaminess of the band’s aesthetic.
The video was directed by Alessandra Hoshor and Addison Adams, whose imaginative scenery and theatrical direction give the clip an otherworldly feel. Hoshor and Adams were assisted in cinematography and set design by John Manfredi and Jordan Stubbs, respectively.
It’s strangely unsettling how well the Cars inspired jam fits with the alien hand movements, but it’s representative of how Shampoo merges artistic flourishes with radio pop traditions. Few other bands are adept as the three-piece at subverting such a distinctive ’80s pop style while still retaining a contemporary energy and feel.
According to bassist and songwriter Chandler Kelley, “Shy Guy” was initially designed as a fuzzed-out shoegaze song, but he ended up with a snappy burst of new wave energy, and we couldn’t be happier with the result.
Shampoo will perform tomorrow night at Downtown Players Club alongside iji (Seattle), Sobrite, Dandy, Ginko, and Delicate. Doors open at 7 p.m. $5 donation required.
More Info
Bandcamp: shampoo.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @shampooatl
SoundCloud: @burthday-pony