Got a Light? — Portland Synthwave Duo Dead Astronauts Debut Haunting Video for “Erase Me”

With bones that break
With a head full of fear
When paranoia shakes
You get the hell outta here

The Portland-based project Dead Astronauts, renowned figures in the synthwave and synthpop genres, skillfully blend elements of darkwave, goth, and post-punk into their music. The band underwent a significant transformation when one of its founding members, Hayley Stewart, left to pursue a solo project under the name Mecha Maiko, marking a new chapter in the band’s journey. In 2019, Florence Bullock took over the female lead role, filling the void left by Stewart, while Slade Templeton, known for his work with Crying Vessel and Influx Studios, joined the group. This transition not only marked a fresh start for Dead Astronauts but also paved the way for a creative evolution in their sound and artistic direction.

Building on their renewed lineup, Dead Astronauts released “Silhouettes” and its remix version, “Silhouettes Redux,” showcasing their expanded and refined sound. However, 2023 brought unforeseen challenges as Florence Bullock grappled with scheduling conflicts and health issues. This situation necessitated Slade Templeton to take on a more significant role within the band, working closely with Jared Kyle. This shift further propelled the band into a transformative phase, from which a revitalized Dead Astronauts emerged, ready to chart new territories in their musical journey.

Now Dead Astronauts announces a new single – with a night terror of a music video accompanying it – in the guise of the captivating Erase Me.

In Erase Me, director Michael Williamson conjures a landscape reminiscent of Maya Deren’s seminal work, Meshes of the Afternoon, crafting a video that unfurls as a surreal phantasmagoria, steeped in sensations of disorientation, impotence, and disquiet. The video stars Lauren Koopowitz and Adam Ovadia, who bring the narrative to life with their emotive performances. Its recursive, non-linear storytelling is laden with symbolism, probing the depths of identity, the continuum of time, and the labyrinthine recesses of the subconscious, ensnaring the viewer in a web of introspection and the eerie. At its heart, Williamson’s piece reveals a narrative imbued with the poignancy of trauma alluded to in the line “leaving bodies behind.” And ultimately, the track navigates the delicate interplay between confronting one’s inner spectres and the arduous task of distinguishing these from the very entities that might herald salvation.

Watch the strikingly cinematic video for Erase Me below:

“Erase Me” is a haunting journey that draws listeners into its unsettling and mysterious narrative. It creates a powerful blend of music and visuals, highlighting the synergy between auditory and visual arts. With it, Dead Astronauts go beyond presenting a mesmerizing single; they craft a multi-sensory experience that previews the expansive musical voyage set to unfold in their forthcoming Ghosts album.

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