Alt-J's 'Deadcrush' Clip Is An Unsettling But Mesmerising Trip Into A Subterranean Dystopia

Australia-bound British trio Alt-J recently released the video for their infectious new single Deadcrush and, if you've not yet checked it out, you really ought to.

Depicting a future "where an ageing super-computer runs simulations of long-dead historical figures to pass the time" — eerie echoes of Portal, anyone? — the clip is a collaboration between choreographer Darcy Wallace, whose sharp, hypnotic blocking makes for an enchanting focal point, and director Young Replicant (who was also behind the band's video for earlier single 3WW).

The song itself is about the band's 'deadcrushes', making references both overt and obscure to Anne Bolyn and WWII correspondent Lee Miller, with the video — which was shot at a water treatment plant in Essex — also depicting Sylvia Plath as one of the three figures brought back to life by the bored AI behind the ominous machinations in its dungeon-like facility.

Deadcrush is taken from the band's new album, Relaxer, which received strong reviews upon its landing back in May and provides the impetus for their upcoming Australian tour this December.

Watch the clip below, and head to theGuide for more details about the run, which is proudly presented by The Music.