Okay, so releasing a video for a track called “The Start of Something New” on New Year’s Eve might be a liiittle bit on the nose, but then again Challenger Deep have always been more concerned with wringing as much fun and fireworks out of their blazing math rock than any sort of subtly. And, hell yeah, the track—taken from the group’s 2019 self-titled LP—is definitely a ripper, chock full of the bright, energetic riffs and heart-pounding twists and turns that we’ve come to expect from the four-piece. Despite its sleek finger tapping and audacious runs, however, the song never feels like its offering us chops for chops’ sake. Instead, it’s yet another example of the band’s ability to strike a welcome balance between complexity and exuberant hooks.
Filmed by Evan Williams and Alan Goldman, the video continues Challenger Deep’s streak of zany, tongue-in-cheek clips that tap into their quirky sense of humor. Here, the band suffer a deadly van crash, shred among the clouds in heaven, sign a contract with the devil, and shred some more while burning in the fires of hell. That description may sound harrowing and dramatic, but the reality is just more goofy, slapstick fun from a group that continues to hit all the right notes.
Watch/listen above.
Challenger Deep will perform on Sat., Jan. 4 at the Big Gig at the Masquerade alongside Michael Cera Palin, Blis., The Callous Daoboys, Mighty, Stay Here, and more. Doors open at 2 p.m. Admission is $15. All ages.
More Info
Bandcamp: challengerdeepdude.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @ChallengerDeepDude
Instagram: @challengerdeepdude