UPDATE (20/1): Barely two weeks on from the release of new single “in the wake of your leave”, Gang of Youths have unveiled its accompanying film clip, featuring Dave Le’aupepe showcasing his stellar dancing skills.
Consisting of just three extended takes, the clip is a collaboration between Le’aupepe and director Joel Barney, who contrast the lyrical concept of channeling grief into creativity by pairing it with a hyperreal representation of London, a Technicolour palette, and a mesmerising choreography routine.
“When I first heard the track, I knew the video had to be larger-than-life,” explains Barney. “Dave came to me with a Singing in The Rain meets Top Hat concept that paid homage to the great musicals of the ‘50s and ‘60s. We wanted to merge elements of old school Hollywood with a modern edge.
“Using three long takes and the musical-like choreography gave the video a real theatrical feel. I knew Dave was a brilliant performer from working together previously, but we wanted to push him even further outside of his comfort zone. Of course, he nailed it.”
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As Gang of Youths gear up to release their long-awaited third album, angel in realtime., next month, the band have unveiled a powerful new single in the lead-up by way of “in the wake of your leave”.
Following on from singles such as “the angel of 8th ave.”, “the man himself”, and “tend the garden”, the new track is an uplifting tribute to the emotion that flooded over frontman Dave Le’aupepe following the loss of his father.
Introspective in its writing, powerful in its message, and inescapable in its appeal, the track confronts difficult topics yet manages to burn with the sort of passion that only Gang of Youths could muster. Featuring backing harmonies from the Auckland Gospel Choir, percussion from drummers from the Cook Islands, and string arrangements from Tom Hobden, it’s another majestic outing from the group.
“I wanted to reflect on how I became dependent on grief for solace and inspiration,” Le’aupepe explained. “The cycle from numbness to acceptance to yearning plays a role in my approach to grieving my dad’s death. As a result, most of the time, I feel a bit futile as a person.”
“in the wake of your leave” is set to appear on angel in realtime. when it arrives on February 25th. A record described as eclectic – including influences ranging from American minimalism and contemporary classical to Britpop and drum n’ bass – it is equally rooted in Le’aupepe’s Samoan heritage, with many tracks featuring samples from David Fanshawe’s recordings of indigenous music from the Polynesian islands and the wider South Pacific.
“I hope the record stands as a monument to the man my father was and remains long after I’m gone myself,” Le’aupepe. “He deserved it.”
Gang of Youths are also set to tour Australia later this year, with dates set for Australia and Aotearoa across July and August of this year. Full details are available below.
Gang of Youths’ “in the wake of your leave” is out now, while new album angel in realtime. will be released on February 25th, 2022, with pre-orders available now.
Gang of Youths – angel in realtime Australia/Aotearoa 2022 Tour
Saturday, July 30th, 2022
RAC Arena, Perth, WA
Wednesday, August 3rd, 2022
Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide, SA
Saturday, August 6th, 2022
Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney. NSW
Friday, August 12th, 2022
Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday, August 14th, 2022
Venue TBA, Hobart, TAS
More Info: A More Perfect Union
Tuesday, August 16th, 2022
Hunter Lounge, Wellington, NZ
Wednesday, August 17th, 2022
Powerstation, Auckland, NZ
Saturday, August 20th, 2022
Venue TBA, Brisbane, QLD
More Info: A More Perfect Union
