by Jonathan Bannister (@j_utah)
A relationship can be like space exploration — the excitement and nervousness on take-off, heading to places unknown as you explore life together; but like space, relationships can be unpredictable. You can account for only so many variables only to find something you didn’t even think of comes careening in, wrecking the ship, or separating you from the other. You find yourself stranded in worlds unknown. This is where we find Brian Dove of Antiphons.
Antiphons started out as a Dove solo endeavor. However, in the ensuing years they have become a full 4-piece band with Tommy Terrell, Matthew Stinnett, and Chris Matz. In existence since 2011, Groan is only their first full length. While the album doesn’t come out until the beginning of next year, we are happy to premiere the video for lead single “Human Bruise” today.
A lonely guitar cries out from the void. A desperate cry from a lonely soul trapped in the black hole of a relationship gone wrong. Like being jettisoned from an airlock, a voice cuts into the lament with a declaration. “You fuck like an only child, Selfishly.” But while this would sound like a damming insult to most, our explorer doesn’t see it that way. “That’s alright with me…Feel like a human bruise, Feeling good being used.” The band settles into a late night vibe. The closing band at the cantina on the outskirts of the outpost. In the video, Dove is this lost explorer. Stranded in an unfamiliar and possibly hostile landscape, alone and with limited resources. But the song also doesn’t lose the wonder of exploration as Dove sings “It's cool to be alive most of the time.” The lows can be pretty low but we forge ahead, knowing the journey is always worth it.
Check out the video below. Groan is out January 13, 2017 and is being put out by Gigantic Noise and Citrus City records. Stay tuned in to their website http://www.antiphonsband.com for more information.
Antiphons' new album Groan is out January 13th, 2017 via Citrus City Records (cassette/digital) and Gigantic Noise Records (vinyl).