After releasing a couple of singles, 'Bummerland' and 'Bang', in various forms earlier in the year, AJR dropped a three track EP that included them both just ahead of Christmas day. Now the New York trio who said they "Wanted to give you one last little surprise for the year", have also released a video to go with it's lead track, 'My Play'.
The new song, and latest single, has an unfolding story line that is visualised through an animated video. 'My Play' is all about putting on a play "in my old house, in my cape jumping on the old couch, putting up lights when it's cold out, Mum and Dad both seats sold out". It's a lovely tale, well told and equally well interpreted in the video.
The uncomplicated line drawings of the video match the reminiscence of the lyrics within the song. Brothers Adam, Jack and Ryan Metzger harmonise the ever building song, with their collective voices getting more and more animated themselves, spinning the original focus of the song towards themes of love.
The band's latest track marries the two, seemingly contrasting, parts of the song beautifully as it questions whether the appreciation that Mum and Dad showed for the play was genuine love or whether it was just imagined.
The gentle string arrangements, layered harmonies and minimal banjo help support the lead vocals throughout as the song ebbs and flows and builds and breaks until the minimalist, emotive finale.
