VIDEO PREMIERE: DOWNGIRL - HORSEGIRL / DIG

Sydney femme-grunge/punk band DOWNGIRL enter a neon-coloured, Y2K cyberspace in the music video for their dual release HORSEGIRL / DIG. The four-piece stays true to their in-your-face, brash and unapologetic feminine rage with the visuals and sounds of their dual release, tapping into the distinct cutesy, cybergirl and gamer aesthetic of the 2000s. 

DOWNGIRL have become a notable act in various alternative circles across Sydney with a dedication to pushing their femininity within a unique fusion of nu-metal, soul punk and 90s grunge. HORSEGIRL / DIG acts as a perfect platform to showcase the band’s versatility earnestly, displaying both softness and roughness, toughness and vulnerability in the setting of a late 90s/early 2000s internet world.

The video opens with the breathy, sultry HORSEGIRL which is permeated by a thumping bassline, and sporadic fragments of driving electric guitar. Complemented by soft, minimal vocals, the song speaks to power dynamics in a couple, submission and dominance. Engulfed in pink light, this section of the video pulls heavily from 90s media influences like Sailor Moon, Aaron Carter, Hello Kitty and The Spice Girls.

As the video transitions into DIG, pink turns to neon-green as we enter a more Matrix-hued gaming aesthetic, where softness turns into toughness. The drums begin to lead DIG into classic punky, electric guitar before intense, powerful vocals sink their teeth into the melody. In a press release, it is stated that DIG is the “point where push comes to shove”. The energy spikes, as roaring vocals speak to a vindictive feeling that dwells on “ the intersection of sex and violence, and how far someone can bend before they break”. 

Battling final bosses in an attempt to retrieve her fellow band members who have been sucked into their computer’s digital prison, vocalist and lead guitarist Kristen Adams enters gamer mode, fighting off toxic men in Mortal Kombat-inspired gameplay and shredding a guitar solo in a Guitar Hero-inspired battle. The video comes to a successful conclusion, as the iconic Grand Theft Auto “WASTED” title card appears, signifying the freeing of her band members. 

HORSEGIRL / DIG by DOWNGIRL officially releases on Friday, November 15th, but we have an exclusive premiere of the music video here for The Music. View the full film clip below.

DOWNGIRL are heading on tour over November and December. Find all of the details, including ticket links below.

DOWNGIRL TOUR

Nov 22 - ‘For the Record Festival’, Canberra

Nov 24 - Vic On The Park MERCH STALL DAY, Sydney 

Dec 1 - Moving Different Festival - Factory Theatre, Sydney | SINGLE LAUNCH (TICKETS)

Dec 6 - Cherry Bar 1am Show, Melbourne

Dec 7 - Loud Women Festival, Melbourne