Here we are at the best underground music videos of the year. To make the top ten a video has to be original and exceptional, truly furthering the medium. We end with a few strange love stories, a video from political dissidents who channel their rage into lycanthropy, and the most metal thing ever. Thanks for reading.
10. “Drama,” Spencer Sutherland
The theater kid in me laughed and hollered throughout every minute of “Drama.” Spencer Sutherland auditions for his high school drama club with an earnest appeal to the joy of overacting while dressed as Henry VIII. The class is casually disaffected, though their teacher applauds it with profanity and praise. “Drama” is mostly just screwing around, but it’s premium screwing around that is hilarious.
9. “Black Dog / White Horse,” Big Special
“Black Dog / White Horse” is one long, slow motion scream by actress Katie Dickie, but her face is such a battle charge of emotion that it manages to carry an entire pop song. She emerges out of darkness, strides to the foreground, then clearly yells “fuck” to something that is apparently behind the viewer. The cathartic release of the final moments makes the slow build-up worthwhile.
8. “Hotel Flamingo,” Kelsey Karter & the Heroines
“Hotel Flamingo” is the kind of sordid, overtly trash love story that rock and roll runs on. Kelsey Karter is stunning as a dirtbag drifter that falls in love with a heartbroken sex worker played by Izzy Bee Phillips. They embark on a brief and ultimately tragic romance centered around the titular hotel. Having them color-coded like the old Spy vs. Spy cartoons right down to the knives was a genius decision.
7. “Vaukalak,” Irdorath
Irdorath is a band more people should know about. They were imprisoned for two years after playing music at a Belarusian protest against dictator Alexander Lukashenko. Now based in Berlin, they finally were able to film and release their werewolf fantasy epic “Vaukalak.” Nadia and Vova Irdorath’s experiences as political prisoners add extra oomph to their pagan rites of freedom in the woods.
6. “Little Beating Heart,” Ronny Tibbs
“Little Beating Heart” is such a simple video, but so impressively shot by director Ryan Wiese and cinematographer Richie Trimble that it feels momentous. A man (Dan John Miller) leaves dinner when a stranger calls. His wife (Anne Damman) dons an elaborate man costume to follow him and confront him for his infidelity. Damman’s disguise has this horrible uncanny valley quality that makes the video seem like it will turn into a slasher movie at any moment, and Damman helps that vibe by clearly enjoying the chance to hunt and stalk behind the mask.
5. “Church,” Hello Emerson
Look kids, this one is for the olds in the audience. Go skibidi toilet a Pokemon or something for a bit
Director Reece Thompson put together a touching ode to enduring love in “Church.” Jerry Bean is a man unsure of himself after an accident, but his wife Kim entices him back to life with an invitation to dance. Over the course of the video, he rediscovers his joy for life and faith in his partner. It’s the kind of love story we should all hope for.
Come on back, kids. We got some queer stuff and robots coming up soon.
4. “Give You Up,” Only Twin
Moving. Inspiring. More beautiful than wildflowers under the Texas sun. These are not terms often used to describe the love between a woman and her office printer, but they apply here. The Director Brothers stage a interpretive dance romance that transcends reality and depleted ink cartridges. We should all hope for a relationship so giving and pure.
3. “Swarm,” Farmer’s Wife
From the demented brains behind “Greg Abbott’s Maxi Pad” comes another hyperfeminist music video masterpiece. “Swarm” takes the form a classic creature feature, complete with giant bugs and mad scientists. Vocalist Molly Mason shares directorial duties with Mia Alejo (backed by some incredible effects courtesy of Liam Pugh) to craft a sepia-toned nightmare that is a joy to squirm through.
2. “Destination,” The Irrespressibles
If I had to pick one music video in the 21st Century that put me on the path to be the last VJ, it would be “The Lady is Dead” from the Irrepressibles. That video hollowed out my soul and used it as a little queer puppet. Fourteen years later, and the band may have finally made as impactful a follow-up. “Destination,” directed by Jack Willoughby, features a lonely monster made of black latex seeking and finding love with a local fish store clerk. The dance choreography throughout the video is spellbinding, and I found myself honestly tearing up when the two principals began to move together.
1. “He Has Returned,” Gloryhammer
The quest for the most epic music video is finally over, and “He Has Returned” is it. Animated by the incredible Alex Henderson, “He Has Returned” expands the story of Gloryhammer’s fan favorite character, the Robot Prince of Auchtertool. Amazing battles, heartbreaking betrayals, noble sacrifices, and lots of robots make this one of the greatest uses of five minutes every to exist. Despite some very tough competition, it is clearly the best underground.
This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2024.
