The Sidekicks | photo by Nick Fancher | courtesy of the artist
The Sidekicks collage together a video for “Weed Tent”
Ohio alt rockers The Sidekicks‘ newest video release, “Weed Tent,” will leave you engulfed in a feeling of nostalgia thanks to its bright stop-motion and collage-style videography, while the lyrics push at something much darker.
It’s an interesting take on a somewhat-serious song, and the juxtaposition of visual versus meaning is what strikes the audience right away. While the name itself, “Weed Tent,” along with the swinging rhythm hint at nothing sad, the lyrics speak only of something lost and a looming sense of “what if?” It’s a much more palatable take on a sad song, and artists who switch up their technique in this way tend to have the best listener response.
Everything about this song and video is bright. From the soundscapes to the visual landscapes to the vocal harmonies to the guitar solos. It’s a happy song on the surface, and that’s what makes it so great. The video gives off this sort of amateur persona with the arts-and-crafts look, though it’s anything but childish. It’s playful on the outside, yet deeply intricate if you really listen.
You can find The Sidekicks’ newest album Happiness Hours in stores and streaming online on May 18th, via Epitaph Records. Their spring tour brings them to Boot & Saddle on Tuesday, May 22nd. Tickets and more information on the show can be found at the XPN Concert Calendar.
Tour Dates
May 17 – Redford, MI – Andrew’s Basement
May 18 – Chicago, IL – Subterranean
May 19 – Columbus, OH – Ace of Cups
May 20 – Cleveland, OH – Mahall’s 20 Lanes
May 22 – Philadelphia, PA – Boot & Saddle
May 23 – Brooklyn, NY – Alphaville
May 24 – Boston, MA – Great Scott
May 25 – Washington, DC – Black Cat Back Room
May 26 – Cincinnati, OH – North Side Yacht Club
May 27 – Pittsburgh, PA – Smiling Moose