Canadian quintet THE BELLE GAME released their debut single Wait Up For You this week on Bella Union. The accompanying video for it uses a mysterious cult as its central theme from which the two central characters seek escape.
The video is directed by Kheaven Lewandowski who is no stranger to using cult imagery and fear as central themes (Fine Times – Hey Judas) although he chooses a more subtle approach on this one. He leaves some, but not all, to the imagination. You just know that things are not going to end well where Lewandowski is involved…that initial perception of things not being quite right starts like a little itch and builds into something all the more fearsome. There is strong imagery from brainwashing to human torture and although it is less graphic than his previous videos it is no less disturbing.
Although maybe not its intention it did make me think of what goes on unhindered around the world in the name of control and power and the supposed benefit of mankind.
Led by the hypnotic vocals of Andrea Lo, The Belle Game take intricate guitar and keyboard lines, anchored by dark pop rhythms, and weave them into gorgeous, graceful melodies… the end result still retaining the rawness of a boozy confessional.