The Butlers are continuing the momentum of their festival filled summer with a new single - One Flew. Bonus: there’s a music video too.
The single and video are based on Ken Kesey’s novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. The song kicks off with an anticipatory build up which soon drops into smooth and energetic saxophone setting a base of chaotic fun that the song is built on. Throughout the song there are ska breakdowns and jazzy changes of tempo that have been so popular in recent Kiwi indie-rock.
The vocals on this track are shared between three members of the band - Walt Robberds, George Berry and Jordan Kennedy, rather than just front man Walt. The reverb effect on the vocals makes for a really wide, echoey sound, as if it were recorded in a cave, or a mental asylum...
The music video follows the song with big energy from the start, the band as characters escaping from whatever has been holding them captive. Like most of The Butler’s music videos it is recognisably Christchurch, following the escapees on their rampage around various locations in the city.
There are a few very cheesy moments, like the Abbey Road crossing shot and the band all posing as sweethearts, lying in the grass swinging their legs. Quite contradictory to the rest of the video which is filled with general mischief and comradery – breaking into cars, climbing trees and chasing a win on the pokies.
Nice to see saxophonist Stingy sporting slightly more sophisticated headwear than the Double Brown helmet he wore in Cats on the Cliff and Freeway.
Overall a very consistent, very fun release from The Butlers. Hope there’s more to come in 2021.
The single was released Feb 2nd under Meow Records. The music video was directed by Matt De Vries. Check it out here.