Blonde Redhead have shared a new short film.
The seminal American band touched down in London last week for a very special, ultra-intimate show, and new album ‘Sit Down For Dinner’ lands on September 29th.
The record contains a split title song – ‘Sit Down For Dinner’ parts one and two – and these are now online, presented alongside a short film.
The song was sparked by Kazu Makino‘s reflections on her parents, living far away in Japan; it was also inspired by the impact of reading Joan Didion’s profound dissection of grief, The Year Of Magical Thinking.
In particular, the songwriter was drawn to the line: “Life changes fast. Life changes in the instant. You sit down to dinner and life as you know it ends.”
Makino says: “‘Sit Down for Dinner’ is written like a journal and I suppose it’s confessional. ‘Part 1’ starts with me living on a remote island and contemplating what to do. ‘Part 2’ is me writing to my mother and father alongside inspiration from Ms. Didion’s writing. It touches on death and destiny and how we move through our lives without knowing how and when the end will come (with no pity). I’m excited by the way I was able to put down my rather terrifying thoughts on top of ‘uplifting’ music. You would never guess what I’m singing about.”
These two beautiful songs are linked, with long-time Blonde Redhead collaborator Sebastian Mlynarski tasked with crafting a short film. The resulting visual project laces together historical news clips with footage of Blonde Redhead themselves.
Catch Blonde Redhead on a short UK run this winter, including London’s Village Underground on December 12th.
Tune in now.
‘Sit Down For Dinner’ will be released on September 29th.
Photo Credit: Charles Billot