There’s a glimmer of darkness lurking beneath the swaying rhythms that engulf Pike Company’s “Nice Moves.” It’s not always apparent, especially when the Atlanta four-piece are coasting from one breezy groove to the next. But on their new video, writer/director/editor Evan Sweet leans into that pressing gloom, highlighting the song’s underlying despondency with a tale of vampire love gone sour. Mixing black humor with striking cinematography (and an adorably supportive Corgi!), the clip helps transform the song’s easygoing psych haze into something more substantial and defined.
Although “Nice Moves” originally appeared on Pike Company’s 2020 Powerplant in Heaven EP, the video was released in coordination with Powerplant in Heaven II, the group’s new collection of demos, alternate mixes, and live tracks. The music is joyously simple urging the listener to sink blissfully into the song’s languorous spell. And, indeed, when the video opens all seems rosy. Our vampire couple—played by Victoria Awo and Kfir David—appear to be deep in the throes of love. It isn’t long, however, before everything unravels.
As the fissures in their relationship widen into total separation, our protagonist slides into despair. Surrounded by painful reminders and conflicting memories, they crater into cold numbness before eventually snapping. Still, hope remains in the form of the loyal Corgi. As the walls cave in, they step in to remind us that life goes on and “We can try again tomorrow.” Somehow that simplest of sentiments is enough to keep us pressing forward. As the song implies, time will always get you in the end. Best to lick your wounds and make the most of it.
Watch/listen above.
Powerplant in Heaven II is out now.
More Info
Web: pikecompany.net
Facebook: @pikecompany
Bandcamp: pikecompany.bandcamp.com
Instagram: @pikecompany
Twitter: @pikecompany