Just over a month ago, we touched on post-punk quintet Whiner, who have since been catching fire in the bowels of New York and New Jersey. Their track “Panic Room” is a welcome burst of anthemic energy and a perfect blend of post-punk fury; chock full of distorted bass, cinematic synths, driving guitars and percussion, and a moody, powerful vocals. “Panic Room” closes the band’s recent You Never Have to Feel This Way Ever Again EP, and has already become one of this year’s standouts. With that in mind, we’re honored to premiere the video for the track. Watch below:
The video’s narrative depicts the band, as well as a handful of bystanders, partaking in a cult-like procession – drinking mysterious liquids, being baptized in still waters, and preaching beside an eerie, makeshift altar. These events are shown through both crisp and subversive imagery and grainy VHS footage. Clips of the band performing in a small, intimate space is peppered throughout the narrative, tying the video’s theme of decadence and revelry together, a subtle metaphor for the rituals of live performance. The video is the first part of a trilogy conceived by the band in tandem with director and photographer Luke Carr.
Speaking of live performance, Whiner are one of the most active bands we’ve seen in some time, and have been honing their craft over a series of local gigs throughout New York and hometown New Jersey. Check below for a list of dates and catch Whiner on Facebook for more details:
7/6 Meatlocker Montclair NJ
7/15 Baby’s All Right BK
7/18 FM Bar Jersey City NJ
7/19 Pet Rescue BK
7/20 Half Moon Hudson NY
8/3 Gutter Bar Bk
8/13 St. Vitus Bk
Photo by Luke Carr
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