Having accumulated over 10,000 views in a day, the new Black Lips video is probably one of the most successful high school film productions the Internet has ever seen. But Black Lips isn’t a high school band.
Black Lips
The group was conceived in an historic company town in Atlanta, Georgia, some fifteen years ago. Now, well into their thirties, founding members Cole Alexander (lead vocalist) and Jack Swilley (bass) have not abandoned their youth. The album art for their latest, Underneath the Rainbow hints at a Misfits influence and apart from a misleading country twang on “Drive By Buddy,” there’s no sign of any development of maturity on the album. They may have finally learned how to play their instruments, but Alexander’s vocals are questionable.
However, Alexander, seven albums into his career, doesn’t really care and neither does his audience.
Here is the video for “Justice After All,” which premiered yesterday alongside the official release of Underneath the Rainbow. It’s like “The Suburbs,” but from the ruffians’ point of view. (PS. YouTube user cerpintaxtmario spies Brent Hinds.)
Stream the album over at the band’s Soundcloud, and see them just one week after they stormed SXSW; Black Lips will bring their lo-fi punk mentality to The Great American Music Hall this Monday, March 24th. Tickets here.
Article by Joanna Jiang