Okkervil River have many strengths, but the one that always keeps me hanging on and returning to their music is their lyrics, provided by Will Sheff. In the video for “Wake and Be Fine” the lyrics are hard to miss as they are punched all over the screen; behind, in front and in between the band members as they play. They’ll steal your attention and well they should; they’re dense, come pouring forth rapidly and are brilliant.
The video is simplistic and quite brilliant, and really nails the combination of dreamy, unsettling vibe with the band’s energetic performance. Will Sheff and video collaborator Daniel Gibbs have given their accounts of the filming over at NPR and are worth a read.
“Wake and Be Fine”:
(If the video isn’t working for you then make sure to watch it over at NPR)
“Wake and Be Fine” is the first single from Okkervil River’s sixth album I Am Very Far which will be released by Jagjaguwar on May 10th.
