Splitting the difference between the massive sonics of 80s electro-ballads and the expansive storytelling of rock and roll, Andy Clockwise’s latest “War Stories” is an ambitious attempt to tackle the sheer breadth of life in a seven-minute epic—and boy, does he nail it. The track is an LCD Soundsystem meets Springsteen—a match made in heaven we know—collision of sound and style, aided by the thrilling energy of Clockwise’s anthemic crooning and riveting electronica.
Between thunderous percussion gallops and synth-bursts Clockwise details a tale on love, life, and grief that is as timeless as it is so particular affecting in the modern era. While the video itself opts for a deep dive into that little sanctuary of decades past—the basement—to find Clockwise and company howling into the night—glitching out in multicolor static in true 80s fashion.
Clockwise is gearing up to release his new album War Stories over the next two years in three volumes through the record label he created Exhibition Records. With collaborations and tours with everyone from The Black Keys and Julian Casablancas to fellow Australians and iconic rap collective The Avalanches, Clockwise has catered to an eclectic mix over the years. The music he has been working on—done in a time of personal strife—focuses on returning to the kinds of sounds that got him into music in the first place: folk, classic post-punk, pop, Irish traditional, and early electronic house.
“This is the song that started the whole record really, a splurge of upset, denial and trying to find some sort of way to get out of the way of the world throwing every annoyance that one can endure my way. Some part therapy, some part defeat, some death of my youth and most parts rock and roll defiance and rebellion from whatever we call this current status quo. Apathy? Creeping oblivion? I suppose I see it as a fresh start. Hope I don’t fuck it up!”
Andy Clockwise will be playing the Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles for the Hotel Electric Residency, which still has two more dates on the May 21 and May 28. Visit his website, Facebook, and Instagram to stay updated on new releases and tour announcements.
HOTEL ELECTRIC:
A Celebration of Indie, Post Punk, New Wave & New Music @ the Hotel Cafe
May 21
9:30 PM – RIPPLES
10:05 PM – JAKE AND ABE
10:45 PM – MOTHER MACHINE
11:30 PM – ANDY CLOCKWISE & LOCAL HERO
12 PM – ASHRR
12:35 AM – ESLI & HOUSE DJS
May 28
9:30 PM – GUY BLAKESLEE
10:05 PM – CLUB ORO
10:40 PM – VERONICA BIANQUI
11:30 PM – DEAF MUTE
12:10 PM – ANDY CLOCKWISE & LOCAL HERO
12:50 AM – STELLA MOZGAWA + KIRIN CALLINAN DJ
