The music video for ‘American Canyon’, the latest single from The Jenny Thing, centres on a woman charging across the desert on a horse, pursued by something unseen. She’s got a loop of rope tied around her ankle, which was once attached to a stake driven into the ground. She’s managed to escape, and she’s riding for her life.
Out of Berkeley, California, The Jenny Thing is a band that knows a thing or two about conflict, drama, and daring escapes. With music that is packed full of cinematic gestures, evocative soundscapes, anthemic choruses, racing-heartbeat rhythms, and poetic lyrics, The Jenny Thing are clearly a band made up of people with considerable talent. Their sound at first reminds us of Duran Duran, or Arcade Fire; it’s no co-incidence then that their intricate arrangements are made up of richly textured guitar, strata of synths and electronics, and BVs that will linger long after you’ve pressed stop. The multi-layered lyrics from singer Matt Easton are artfully organised, and the finished product is a catchy pop-rock song from start to finish.
Of course, The Jenny Canyon are no new kids on the scene. Reuniting in 2016 after a nearly 20 year hiatus, they could easily have continued with the sound that made them a favourite in the Bay Area underground scene back in the 1990s. Instead however, they’ve fully taken on board modern technology, and integrated elements of industrial, experimental, ambient, and electronic music into their latest recordings. While they’re still recognisable as the band from back in the day – all four original members are still extant – with ‘American Canyon’, their upcoming album, they are forging a new path, not just for the band themselves, but maybe for rock music altogether.
Directed by Ramesh Nicolas Iyer, the clip for ‘American Canyon’ is starkly gorgeous, and captures the band in performance, roaring in the middle of the California desert. The scene reflects the emotional state of the woman on the charger, freed from bondage but chased at first by what seems to be a great black dog, then next, more worryingly, a man, driving a truck. It’s soon obvious that she’s running from an abusive, and definitely dangerous relationship. With impressive speed motivated by fear, she manages to evade her adversary, and is last seen heading towards the mountains.
Watch the music video for ‘American Canyon’ below and discover more about The Jenny Thing and their music online on their official website.
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