Parallels / Awkward

I don't always watch or keep up to date with MVs but I always find that it adds another layer and dimension to the way we perceive and receive music. I discovered Awkward by San Cisco just yesterday, and like Gotye's (ft. Kimbra) hit Somebody That I Used to Know, I was initially caught up in their quirky MVs which got me addicted to the dynamic and colourful sounds of the songs. 

Unintentionally, however, I found that there were parallels emerging between the two (I mean look at the screenshot of the youtube clip! I was so amused when I saw that). I realised that they have a lot more in common than expected; awkward romance situation, misunderstandings, and two sides of the story singing in the same lyrical structure. It's a beautiful coincidence and I love it.

The sound of Awkward is as fresh as it is unique with the lead male Jordi having a very boyish kind of look and sound which suits the colourfulness of the pop tune while the drummer Scarlett who debuts vocally in the song has a really unique character - her voice natural & kooky in a cute way which I think matches up with the tone of the the song really well. Directed by Andrew Nowrojee the MV is quirky and creative: neutral facial expressions, minimal pastel toned retro setting, text messaging visuals and bubbles, camera shots sliding in the same kind of way as how page slides on touch phones, switcharoo-ness and the randomness here & there. Here are are my favourite moments:

lol at the random head popping out, the random dog, and the arms.

I realise both clips have stoic neutral expressions; even though they sing in the presence of each other you can feel the distance and disconnect. There's something really intriguing I find in that. 

It's honestly hard to capture the dynamics of Somebody I Used To Know with still screenshots... 

I really love the slow panning of the camera, the still moments, the heavy sighs, the flashes & stop-motion movement of the paint and the way it comes on/off in Somebody I Used To Know there's something really edgy and tense about it which really works with the song. The artists become like living artworks. I particularly loved the moment when the drums started beating and Kimbra did her shoulder role and step closer. I don't wanna live that way. I find Kimbra really mesmerising kind of in the same way as Katy Perry. Overall the clip is genius; it's raw and artistic.

and not to mention I also really love the colour scheme of both clips:

I love the things happening with Australian music. Period.