WATCH: Cyriak directs ‘The Existential Threat’ animated music video for Sparks
With today marking the physical release of their new album A Steady Drip, Drip, Drip, legendary musical duo Sparks (Ron and Russell Mael) are continuing their established trend of animated music videos that has so far seen them join forces with the likes of Chintis Lundgren (One For The Ages), Scott Peters (Hippopotamus) and Joseph Wallace (Edith Piaf [Said It Better Than Me]).
The latest collaboration draws upon the talents of online animation star Cyriak, whose identifiably surreal and trippy visual approach accompanies the band’s latest single The Existential Threat.
The incredibly manic and overwhelming nature of the existential threats that are facing all of us nowadays and our reaction to those threats, expressed musically and lyrically in our song The Existential Threat, are brilliantly demonstrated in the frightening and beautiful video for the song by Cyriak.
-Ron and Russell Mael, Sparks
When I was asked to make a music video for Sparks I could hardly believe it. They sent me the whole of their new album to choose from, and there was this one song that immediately stood out – The Existential Threat. Not only did the music fit perfectly with my animation style, the subject of existential dread is something I have been fascinated by for as long as I can remember. It was like I could see the whole video inside my head as I listened to the song.
The brief was totally open, but I felt this track deserved more than just some crazy visuals. It has a psychology driving it, and a feeling that hangs over us all, especially in these modern times of information overload. Are these threats real, or imaginary? Are they just a paranoid delusion, or do we ignore them at our peril? It was great fun making this video, and I hope it makes people think about their inevitable impending death in a more light-hearted way.
-Cyriak
A Steady Drip, Drip, Drip is available now. For more on Sparks visit allsparks.com and check out the work of Cyriak at cyriak.co.uk