Whenever I feel the darkness settling in, that black pit forming in my gut, I seek out gratitude. It’s base-level therapy and self-care, and a vital component to maintaining some semblance of emotional balance. I have a list that I run through, one which I’m constantly augmenting. But more often than not that search for grace and gratefulness leads me to the people with which I share crucial, life-defining history. My blood, ya know.
The new video from Easter Island is a joyous celebration of those vital shared connections. Conceived as a love letter to friends and family, the clip brings together the band and wide assorment of loved ones, many of whom traveled considerable distances to make the shoot. The premise is simple: get everyone onto a soundstage and film whatever hijinks ensue; the magic, such as it is, is watching all the various interactions unfold. It’s like eavesdropping on a family reunion just as the cocktails start to settle in.
The lead cut from their 2020 LP, Take All the Time You Think You Need, “Quiet Party” finds the band at their most confident and intentional, spinning moody dream-pop grooves full of inviting melodies. It’s got just enough verve to kickstart the festivities, but true to its title, there’s a level of restraint that keeps the song grounded. The music is more punchy than atmospheric and dusted in a iight coating of psychedelia. It doesn’t exactly envelope you, though; it’s more like a jet stream that thrusts you gently forward. There’s no denying that aura of positivity the video exudes—a testament, perhaps, to its underlying purpose.
“For being such a loud and seemingly serious band it was important for us to show the chaotic lightness that’s sustained us as a group since 2010,” say Asher Payne, who directed the video. “Good chaos is so underrated—chaos grounded in joy and dignity. We love and respect each other not just because we admire each others’ talents but because each band member creates a joy and vitality within the rest of the members that wouldn’t exist otherwise. We love each other so much and we love our friends so much. That’s why we created this video. Fuck ego. Centralize lightness and gratitude.”
Watch/listen above.
Easter Island’s Ethan Payne will perform a solo set on Wed., Aug. 31 at Bogg’s Social and Supply alongside Slow Teeth and Connelly Crowe. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $10. 21+ to enter.
More Info
Web: easterisland.band
Bandcamp: easterisland.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @easterislandband
Instagram:@easterisland