Plunging you immediately into the fray, Indonesian rising stars Grrrl Gang’s new video for ‘Cool Girl‘ takes place in the throbbing crowd of a gig. Both track and video capture the tragically relatable feeling of isolation despite being surrounded by people, in all respects, should be your community.
The song kicks off bouncy and energetic, with a pounding drum beat and screaming guitars. Aggressive vocals are juxtaposed against vulnerable lyrics as the camera narrows in on the one person in the audience not quite smiling. She drains her drink and threads her way through the broiling crowd, as the dim lighting combined with the glare of spotlights creates a foggy atmosphere. The closeness of everyone jostling and roaring along with the song makes the whole scene feel somewhat claustrophobic, and her evident discomfort is punctuated by quick cuts to the band and to the people around her, and the repeated “I wish I was a cool girl”.
The lyrics offer a snatch of insight into the girl’s headspace. Delivered with a rage that is amplified by the vulnerability in the words, the song craves such unattainable attributes as being comfortable in your own head – “I can be alright when I get with myself”. The track then drops to a much slower tempo; with a spiralling shriek of guitars, the camera focuses again on the girl, who has finally let go and allowed herself to become one with the crowd. She dances and jumps effortlessly along with them, smiling in a way that seems genuine. The bodies and hands around her no longer feel like they are trapping her, but are a safe, protective comfort. The repeated lyrics continue – “I wanna tear my skin apart/It never glows in the dark” – but they are softer. The insecurities haven’t gone entirely, but they’re no longer strong enough to stop her enjoying herself and embrace the joy of the moment, until eventually they fade away altogether.
Watch the wonderfully uplifting, yet subtly poignant, new video now:
Spunky, the debut album from Grrrl Gang, is out now via Trapped Animal, and via legendary label Kill Rock Stars in America.
Kirstie Summers
@ActuallyKurt
Photo Credit: Tiny Studio
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