Photo by Dave Tonge
New Jersey native HORNET (Oh! Vered) has mastered a unique fusion of dream pop with alternative music’s edgier undertones, characterized by a distinctive production approach influenced by Cocteau Twins, Sugarcubes, Frou Frou, and Nine Inch Nails. At the heart of HORNET’s artistic vision is the bass guitar: her basslines and haunting vocal harmonies form the backdrop, and the complex, trip-hop-influenced rhythms add depth and texture.
Her latest offering as HORNET, the video for Silkworm, transforms into a theatrical spectacle, blending an array of lights, cameras, and eclectic set pieces that seem to spring from the depths of her profound imagination. Staged within the raw confines of a peeling warehouse basement, this one-shot ‘live cinema’ act unfolds with the grace of a painter’s brush.
A modest budget of £800 was no obstacle for creativity: the small crew, each member equipped with a camera, navigated the space with an almost voyeuristic zeal. They meticulously document HORNET’s every move and interaction within the artful installations, culminating in a riveting, unbroken performance that spans 2 minutes and 49 seconds. The resulting footage, a kaleidoscope of perspectives, is stitched together in an eerie surveillance aesthetic, achieving a raw, emotion-driven edit that echoes the Dogme 95 movement.
The stark simplicity of the set and the seamless continuity of the take in which Hornet performs starkly contrast with any notion of artificiality. These artistic choices from director Indiana Christian not only immerse the viewers in the immediacy of the action but also, through their exposed nature, suggest the portrayal of genuine experiences. The interpretation of the video’s authenticity is left to the audience. A subtle clue might be Hornet’s intentional engagement with the camera lens. Her focused gaze and the conviction in her delivery convey a compelling presence, hinting at a deeper connection and perhaps revealing the true focus of her message.
Watch the video for “Silkworm” below:
You can find Hornet’s “Silkworm” on the Slow Dance ’23 compilation, which is out today via the titular label.
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