The Van Vorst House in Jersey City stands as a living testament to the city’s rich history. Constructed in the 18th century by the influential Van Vorst family, early Dutch settlers in New Jersey, this mansion became a symbol of affluence and prominence in the region. Over time, as Jersey City underwent urban transformations, the house remained a steadfast reminder of its colonial past. Recognized for its architectural significance and ties to the Van Vorst lineage, who played pivotal roles in the development of the city, the house has been preserved and celebrated as an enduring piece of Jersey City’s heritage.
Now, the storied Van Vorst House graces an enigmatic music video from the Jersey City trio, CREAMRS. The vividly psychedelic “Hands That Bring the Water,” utilizing an authentic Mellotron, finds its auditory roots in Brooklyn, NY, meticulously recorded and mixed by Ben Greenberg, known for his work with Uniform and the Men, Soft Kill, and Body of Light. Echoes of The Soft Boys, The Monochrome Set, and Wire subtly permeate through the distinctive soundscapes of the band, adding a nuanced layer to their musical expression.
CREAMRS is the brainchild of Jeffrey Roger (vox/guitar), Eric Luszcz (bass/keys), and Michael Santostefano (drums), boasting a rich history of collaborations with prominent bands such as Pale Angels, D’arcy, and Faded. In keeping with their retro aesthetic, the band shot the enigmatic video on Super-8 film with director Tito White Fang. The ensemble unfolds a fascinating peek into their retro-futuristic aesthetic, channeling the unrefined vigour of the late 60s. The impactful employment of vintage equipment and film imparts a distinctive visual flavour to the video, serving also as a reverent nod to the epoch that fuels its creative essence. There is an authentic Hammer Horror campiness – an eeriness – to the video, as a result.
“We used a gigantic 5″ fisheye lens to give it that warped look, which also made focusing the camera nearly impossible, but we feel the blurriness only adds to the mystique,” they say. “We filmed it entirely in my backyard in Jersey City, which was once the garden gate to the historic Van Vorst mansion. The gigantic fountain featured was part of the carriage entrance to the famously lavish garden and mansion. Some more nerdy history can be found here.”
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