“Burning” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Is it wrong that I will always feature every new music video put out by The Weeknd and Yeah Yeah Yeahs? Maybe. But I run Bartertown ‘round these parts. I’m above the law!!! (It’s good to be the MasterBlaster of Neon Splatter.)

We’re still a month and half from the September 30 release date for Yeah Yeah Yeahs new album, Cool It Down. “Burning” is the second single (the first being “Spitting Off The Edge Of The World” with Perfume Genius) and it continues a similar vibe that feels further removed from the angstier punk of the band’s earlier days. That’s not a criticism, especially when both these songs are pretty damn dope. But it is an increase in a step from the basic three instrument setup of 2003’s Fever To Tell (their major label debut) to including more atmospheric sounds and electronic instrumentation.

“Burning” continues Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ tradition of visually striking music videos. Directed by Cody Critcheloe with Jeff Tomcho handling DP duties, it’s a striking use of colors that also blends familiar story tropes in unlikely ways. It starts out with the possibly post-apocalyptic/maybe just mid-apocalyptic (i.e., now) vibes of a world where ice is a major commodity. Then it becomes a bit of a take on West Side Story and Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” and “Bad” videos, and then it veers towards the body transformative work of Jonathan Glazer and other late ‘90s visual artists. It’s a rollercoaster of imagery fueled by the passionate vocals of Karen O, the pounding percussions of Brian Chase, and atmosphere of chaos cultivated by Nick Zinner. It rocks!

Pre-order Cool It Down now, follow Yeah Yeah Yeahs on Twitter, and enjoy the video for “Burning” below.