Having won critical adoration for their emotionally transcendent current single ‘in the wake of your leave’, Gang of Youths give the song another moment in the spotlight by sharing its brand new video. The track is a highlight of their eagerly anticipated new album ‘angel in realtime.’, which follows on February 25th. ‘in the wake of your leave’ is currently Greg James’ Tune of the Week at Radio 1, and the band are also live in session for Jo Whiley on Radio 1 from 8pm this evening.
The video is the latest creative collaboration between the band’s frontman Dave Le’aupepe and director Joel Barney. In contrast to its lyrical concept of channelling grief into creativity, the video gleams with joyousness and escapism. With exuberant character, a Technicolour palette, and a hyperreal representation of London, it presents a new twist on the golden age of the musical.
The stars of the show, however, are Le’aupepe and the accompanying team of dancers. Consisting of just three extended takes, it culminates with a dazzling two-minute group routine.
Joel Barney says, “When I first heard the track, I knew the video had to be larger-than-life. Dave came to me with a ‘Singing in the Rain’ meets ‘Top Hat’ concept that paid homage to the great musicals of the ‘50s and ‘60s. We wanted to merge elements of old school Hollywood with a modern edge.
Using three long takes and the musical-like choreography gave the video a real theatrical feel. I knew Dave was a brilliant performer from working together previously, but we wanted to push him even further outside of his comfort zone. Of course, he nailed it.”
The ‘in the wake of your leave’ video extends the momentum that Gang of Youths have established in recent weeks. The band have also toured arenas as special guests to Sam Fender, played a selection of rapidly sold-out headline shows, and an unforgettable performance of ‘the angel of 8th ave.’ on ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’.
‘angel in realtime.’ charts the waves of emotions that flooded over Dave Le’aupepe following the loss of his father. Those themes are amplified by Gang of Youths’ ever more ambitious musical approach, which draws upon the alternative and indie scenes of their new home in the UK, as well as indigenous sounds that reflect Le’aupepe’s Polynesian heritage. ‘angel in realtime.’ is available to pre-order here.
Gang of Youths will commence a major UK and European tour in March. Tickets for the dates, listed below, are running low with several shows already sold-out. Their live plans in 2022 then continue with tours of North America and Australia, as well as a growing European festival schedule. Please see their website for a full list of dates.
MARCH
3rd – Ireland, Dublin, Button Factory (SOLD OUT)
5th – UK, Newcastle, Riverside (SOLD OUT)
6th – UK, Glasgow, Barrowland Ballroom
8th – UK, Leeds, Beckett University
9th – UK, Bristol, O2 Academy
12th – UK, Birmingham, O2 Institute 2 (SOLD OUT)
13th – UK, Manchester, Albert Hall
15th – UK, London, O2 Academy Brixton
