Last week, Naarm/Melbourne-based indie band Wilding released the catchy Brit-pop-inspired “I Am”, the lead single from their upcoming album, Whatever I Am, due out on the 3rd of May. We’re pumped today to be premiering the video for the track, a startling and twisted clip which suits perfectly the playful nature of “I Am”.
It’s fair to say, that the lyrics are a little bit dark, with some clever wordplay. But hey, it rockets along with a joyful melody, sardonic delivery and a helluva catchy bass line. It certainly lends itself to comparisons with BritPop and for me, it has a passing nod to the great Ian Dury.
The band give us this insight into this melancholic banger – “‘I Am’ is a song about identity. I sing a sardonic laundry list of words that asks us who we are and how we see ourselves. And whether this even matters. I decided instead it’s better to not ponder this idea for too long… I like the juxtaposition of slightly melancholic lyrics with an upbeat energetic sound… While the lyrics are darkly contemplative, the music is banging! In a Britpop-indie-disco type of way.”
The video was created by lead singer, Justin Wilding Stokes, with Lee Hooper behind the camera. The protaganist finds himself in an idyllic location about to make some rather terminal life choices. It’s a nice pairing with the song. The track was mixed by ARIA Award-winning producer Wayne Connolly (The Teskey Brothers, You Am I, Babe Rainbow).
For those in Naarm, Wilding will be playing an album-release show on the 10th of May at The Old Bar in Fitzroy – head HERE for tickets. You can pre-save Whatever I Am, out 3rd May, HERE.
You can keep up to date with all things Wilding on their Website, Facebook and Instagram
Header image credit: Lee Hooper
