Devin Greenwood returns to meld art and commentary on “Surface Noise”

In a newly released music video, Brooklyn-via-Philly artist Devin Greenwood sets his elegant new single “Surface Noise” to the colorful animation of the cult-classic short film Hotel E, by Estonian cartoonist Priit Pärn, which examines post-Soviet identity. The veteran songwriter, filmmaker, and producer has released his own music infrequently since his 2011 EP Father Father, but his occasional singles are sharp on social commentary thoughtful artistry — and this one marks his songwriting return.

Greenwood uses Pärn’s depiction of culture shock after the fall of communism to “examine romantic ownership claims and the heartbreak that can result when sex and class status collide,” according to a press release. “Colorful characters inscribe each other, marking territory and making boundary assertions while male and female personas appear in in ever-shifting settings, suggesting the sense of fluidity that characterizes relationships on the frontier of our romantic universe.”

Out now, “Surface Noise” also features Mirah on backing vocals and Amir ElSaffar on trumpet. Watch the music video below. At Pärn’s request, the video for “Surface Noise” has also been included in RETROSPECTIVE: PRIIT & OLGA PÄRN which pays tribute to the animator and his wife, director and animator Olga Pärn, at the Turku Animated Film Festival in Finland.