Leave A Light On by conceptual blues-soaked outfit The Sirens of Titan is an artistically opaque film that has been made for the band by the band, being directed by songwriter and frontman John-Paul Pryor, whose creativity spans multiple disciplines. Imbued with his trademark poeticism, and more akin to an avant-garde short than a music video, the film is also a significant extension of John-Paul’s partnership with his key musical compadre Jez Leather, who has put down his guitar to take care of the excellent cinematography in what turns out to be a haunting meditation on isolation and breakdown.
I kind of conceived of this film with the actor Victoria Valcheva in mind, says John-Paul of the film’s inception. “I think she is just such an incredible young acting talent, and we have discussed doing something together for a while. It also felt like the right time for us to evolve The Sirens into our own visual statement of intent, and we are making a couple more films for the album,” he continues. “Both Jez and I tend to think very cinematically in terms of songwriting, so it feels a very natural progression for us both.”
Appearing to be something of a strange psychological puzzle, the black and white film exudes a melancholic reverie that perfectly complements the deep, swirling sonic dreamtime conjured by the song – but ask what it is all about, and the reply is far from transparent. “The track Leave A Light On is about feeling trapped in a kind of eternal return,” says John-Paul. “The accompanying film hopefully has some of that same sense of existential claustrophobia, although it’s also very much about desire … and delusion.” Whatever it is about it there is certainly a profound emotional tension in Valecha’s performance. “I loved how Victoria interpreted the feeling of the song,” says John-Paul. “I think it’s a pretty good reflection of what people can expect from the album.”
The album mentioned, Age of Treason, drops on August 25th and has already been described by acclaimed music writer and author Jeremy Allen as a ‘blast of arcana, melancholia and transgression, where The Stones meet The Doors, Scott Walker collides with Syd Barrett.’ It bodes for an interesting ride from a distinctly analogue band in a digital world. “The record wears its influences on its sleeve,” says John-Paul. “It’s been a long time coming, due to all sorts of reasons, but we are looking forward to it being in the world, and playing it live, which is a much heavier experience. I’m excited about that.”
Directed by John-Paul Pryor
Cinematography by Jez Leather
Starring Victoria Valcheva and Rita Vikers
MORE: @thesirensoftitan
