Music
22 Apr 21

VIDEO PREMIERE: Indie-pop duo Yard Arms embrace karaoke on 'Hollow Ankles'

This record is described by frontman and lyricist Noah Villeneuve as “a musing on the chronic instability of life”.

Hot Press are delighted to premiere the brand new video from Bristol-based melancholic pop duo Yard Arms.

'Hollow Ankles' sees the pair serenading their alter-egos in an Adult Swim-inspired karaoke video for their new single.

Hot on the heels of their ‘Sanctuary Lines’ EP release, ‘Hollow Ankles’ will be released on April 23rd.

The outfit's most heartrending and serene track since formation, 'Hollow Ankles' is bursting with alt-90s indie sensibilities and post-emo lyricism.

The song battles with themes of self worth, weakness and incertitude - pretty relevant given the pandemic.

Recorded, mixed and mastered with Josh Gallop (Phoxjaw) at Stage 2 Studios in Bath, Yard Arms' ever developing songwriting style is mirrored in the production of this track.

Key Yard Arms influences include The National, Alvvays, Phoebe Bridgers combined with nostalgic hues of James and Echo & The Bunnymen.

The accompanying music video - inspired by their love of David Lynch, dive bars and '80s game show hosts - sees the duo sing to their alter-egos in an awkward yet endearing karaoke session.

With backgrounds ranging from sunflower fields and tropical beaches to a darkened karaoke room, the quirky outfit changes and over-the-top nostalgia creates for a highly-entertaining viewing party.

"We wanted to riff on the idea of those tacky yet inviting karaoke videos you get in dive bars with a little help of inspiration from old Tim & Eric sketches," Yard Arms tell Hot Press.

"It was important to us that the nature of this video juxtaposed the themes and details surrounding the lyrics. I think the main source of writing these words derived from a place of helplessness yet a sort of unity in what people perceive to be weakness."

"Similarly to a few tracks in the Yard Arms hit catalogue, it takes on a second person narrative that says 'You're not doing too well but neither am I, and I acknowledge that in this moment, this is human. This is okay'," the band add.

Paralleling a laden pop atmosphere with with Villeneuve’s lyrical emotional depth; Yard Arms love to curate a beautifully dark, romantic world.

Check out the exclusive video for 'Hollow Ankles' below: