Dappled Cities Nail “That Sound” In Their Latest Clip

Sydney 5-piece outfit Dappled Cities have got us grooving again with their new single That Sound and its bizarre accompanying video. Their first release of 2016, That Sound is just a taste of their fifth studio album, due for release in October.

Startling the listener with an opening explosive power chord, That Sound drops suddenly into a fast-paced, toe-tapping tune full of funky guitar, disco backing vocals, and plenty of cowbell. Drenched with 70s Bowie glamour, the track mixes it up with a modern indie rock vibe to keep it from feeling formulaic. Incorporating a unique, Bowie-esque vibe into their own sound, the band creates something with an elusive combination of eccentricity and pop appeal.

Paired with such a loveable song, the That Sound video creates a strange visual contrast. Featuring shades of arthouse cinema mixed with a Connery-era James Bond aesthetic, the clip seems a bit muddled on the first watch, but a second look tells a different story. The retro-inspired imagery mixed with a bit of contemporary style echoes the similar combination of styles heard in the song.

Lead vocalist Dave Rennick said the clip reflects the emotional cadence of the song. “That Sound the song is awash with decades of references, emotions and a bit of the crazies – and so in the clip we have a character in solitude going through a similar kind of journey,” he said.

That said, despite her obviously exceptional dancing abilities, there are times when the woman featured in the video seems more ornamental than anything else. This may have been an intentional device, but it’s a little disappointing to see an interesting piece of art fall into the “hey look, we have a pretty girl” trap. Nonetheless, That Sound is super-catchy and guaranteed to have you boogying ’til you drop. If this is any indication of the quality of their upcoming studio album, we’re in for a quite treat!

Check out our interview with Dappled Cities’ co-frontman Tim Derricourt HERE

Dappled Cities ‘That Sound’ Launch Shows

FRI 15 JUL
Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
SAT 16 JUL
Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
SUN 4 SEP
Aurora Spiegeltent, Brisbane Festival

Get Tickets HERE