Mercury Records’ newcomers Neon Trees have released a brand new video for their hit single “Animal” off their debut album Habits, out March 16th. The Provo foursome channel Tim Burton in the new clip which pays homage to the museum scene in Burton’s Batman. Watch the band go on their own masterpiece-wrecking rampage when these animals attack:
While Neon Trees were in New York shooting the video, we managed to corral ‘em just long enough to answer our burning questions about the single, the video, and their own dirty Habits.
Tell us about the meaning behind the single “Animal.”
I’m a masochist in love, and some how am shocked when there is no pain. I am not very nice to myself in when I’m in a relationship. I also observe a lot of my friends when they are starting out they all seem like predators or animals, and so I took all these dark elements and put them in a pop song.
Did you know right away this was going to be the lead single?
I think so; I think it just felt like something that sounded like a single. We have a lot of songs, I think all of them actually, that have great hooks and melodies because that is something we aspire to do with Neon Tree’s music, give credibility back to pop/rock. I think there are other great singles on the record, Animal is a great introduction.
The original video for “Animal” is a great intro to the band, so what was the reason for shooting a second version?
The original was always meant to be a viral video. Something that had the feel of a documentary/in the moment vibe. Something that is quite important to us as a band is art and aesthetic and we wanted to make something visually rad for the official vid. I think people will love it and it will have more of the vibe of what are live is, a little more visceral, a little more artistic, but still quite tongue and cheek.
There are obviously going to be comparisons to bands like the Killers but your sound goes far beyond that. What would call your genre?
Post Punk Soul, if we had to make a genre up. Maybe Post Punk soul pop, it has the energy of punk music, the decadence of new wave, the soul of old r&b and soul music, and the pop of great pop bands of the past.
‘Fess up: Your album is called Habits, so, what’s the worst habit that each of has broken or still has to break?
Tyler – I quit the bad habit of eating meat
Chris – I have an insatiable sweet tooth, and I don’t want to get diabetes
Branden – Red Bull and Oxycontin
Elaine – Speaking out in class. I broke that habit in 6th grade
Bonus: Life Unexpected fans, listen closely next week! Neon Trees’ track “1983″ will be featured in the March 15th episode of the CW hit drama.
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