Psychedelic flying cars, german shepherds and a LADY GAGA lookalike - all these seemingly random images get a guernsey on the latest video from those ridiculously talented Sydney lads THE PRESETS.
"Wouldn't it be nice if we could turn our backs on bushfires", ask THE PRESETS on 'Promises'. The social conscience of the electronic and synth-pop masterminds JULIAN HAMILTON and KIM MOYES is worn on their sleeve in this cut off Pacifica.
The video shows a series of scenes that suggest a broad perspective, a wider focus than just one's immediate regrets and intentions.
From tech-tronic building blocks to tropical finned creatures of the sea to coastal scenes, the video for 'Promises' has a timeless quality fitting for the time of year.
Nostalgic footage of planes taking off is set against neon computerised graphics. A ballet dancer, a woman smoking a cigarette, a man dancing like no one's watching on a jetty all enjoy solitary moments of peace.
If this sounds like a cut-and-paste home-video style montage, it's because it is. And for a song about hopeful optimism in the face of broken promises, it really works.
From bombs to bushfires to bankruptcy, the local and global world is in chaos and facing seemingly imminent destruction in every one of its pockets. As we near the end of another year, THE PRESETS may serve as a reminder that it's exactly the time for thoughtful reflection and new goals. Even new promises.
Words by Rebecca McCann.
