The Big Takeover Debuts The Parlotones New Music Video for "Antidote"

The Parlotones - Antidote - Music Video Still 2

July 18, 2019

Video Premiere: The Big Takeover Debuts The Parlotones Cinematic Music Video for “Antidote”

Seminal music magazine/website, The Big Takeover premiere The Parlotones music video for their latest single, “Antidote”

South African indie rock/pop band The Parlotones have released a music video for “Antidote,” the opening track off their new album China. Written by Parlotones member Rob Davidson, “Antidote” plays with a dark theme while wrapped in an upbeat 80’s inspired feel.

“The song tackles the theme of ‘last chances’ and admitting fault in one’s self. It pleads for one more shot at being the person the other one deserves by changing their selfish ways and growing as a person. Originally written as a piano ballad, it took on an 80’s synth pop vibe reminiscent of Pet Shop Boys/Depeche Mode to create a more upbeat song but with a darker undertone. It asks for forgiveness but also knows you have to sleep in the bed you made.” – Rob Davidson, The Parlotones

The new video has been premiered by Brooklyn music magazine/website, The Big Takeover. Founded in 1980, The Big Takeover is a bi-annual music magazine published out of New York City by critic Jack Rabid.

“The song itself bubbles with synth-pop liveliness, contemplative, but catchy lyrics, and rousing, synths- and vocals-driven chorus sections. The story-telling video for “Antidote”, however, takes inspiration from the bittersweet lyrics by featuring ocean-based visuals and a dream-like, yet desperate and impossible love.” – The Big Takeover

Click to watch “Antidote” on The Big Takeover

The Parlotones are renowned for delivering incredible music videos, and the same is to be said for “Antidote”. The video adds a brilliant visual-scape to the song with the concept inspired by the lyrics taken from the chorus.

“The idea came from the lyrics ‘You’re the ocean, I’m the sea. You’re the voice that calls to me’, which in my opinion represented the lust struggles of the Sirens and sailors,” explains Music Video Director, Ryan du Toit from DuTwaa Creative Agency+. He continues, saying “The story to be told was a reflection of love struggles in today’s life, which is shown in the video by visualising ‘capture, lust, allure, death and entrapment’. During the video the idea was to show all the past lovers dead in the water, but all warning signs are ignored. A man set on course to find love no matter the consequences.”

The video was filmed on location in Sasolburg, South Africa in a container which was converted into a water tank. With so many cleverly worked shots and scenes around the concept, one is an interesting addition. While watching the “Antidote” music video, the viewer will see the Siren releasing eggs from her mouth. What happens here? Du Toit clears it all up.

“In order to crudely show ‘an act of lust and sex’ without having sex – the Siren passes eggs from her mouth in order to impregnate his thoughts that she’s the one or ‘trust me – I love you’. The Egg scene also shows how generally weak men are when a woman unfolds her beauty. Eventually a story unfolds of a Siren who lustfully attracts a man into her world. It seems she gets captured by him or ‘kept’, but who is the one being captured? Unfortunately for the man it turns out to be himself and he suffers like her past lovers…… DEATH BY LOVE.” – Ryan du Toit, Director

Having just celebrated their 20^thanniversary as a band, The Parlotones released their new album, China in North America via OK!Good Records on July 28th. The album features 14 tracks that explore The Parlotones’ diverse musical range. Click below to stream/order.