ØXN unveil music video to ‘The Trees They Do Grow High’

A doom-saying new music video has been unveiled for ØXN’s ‘The Trees They Do Grow High’, from their debut album CYRM. 

Helmed by hotly-tipped filmmaker Cathal Eustace, the film was released as part of First Cut Film Festival’s YMVC programme.

A reimagining of a traditional folk ballad first penned by Robert Burns in 1792, 'The Trees They Do Grow High' is vividly materialised in Eustace's eerie new video, and which stars Ceara Carney, Ilya Semple and Seán Walsh.

The nearly eight-minute music video was filmed in the historic environs of no. 12 Henrietta Street, which dates back to the 18th century. Set against a backdrop of cracked walls and tattered fireplaces, Eustace’s sparsely-appointed direction lets the seams show, each sequence finding its own distinct atmosphere with ghostly visuals.

“The core of the idea came from auto-portraiture, and the way people can use photography for self-emancipation: take Frida Kahlo or Samuel Fosso,” Eustace told Hot Press. “After we reached out to Lafayette photography who graciously lent us their old Victorian bellows camera, it became obvious that we could tell the whole story of this song within one room, using the lens of the camera to jump between years”.

Cathal Eustace for ØXN's 'The Trees They Do Grow High'

The Kilkenny-native, Dublin-based filmmaker has already made a name for himself in the Dublin music scene, directing videos and visuals for the likes of Burglar, Evie, Type Face and more.

Tune into the evocative music video to ‘The Trees They Do Grow High’ below.