Guy Blakeslee – “Smile On” Video (Stereogum Premiere)

Guy Blakeslee - "Smile On" Video (Stereogum Premiere)

Guy Blakeslee – “Smile On” Video (Stereogum Premiere)

Guy Blakeslee - "Smile On" Video (Stereogum Premiere)

Guy Blakeslee is best known for fronting LA psych-rock trio the Entrance Band (formerly Entrance), but he released his first solo album in a decade, Ophelia Slowly, last summer. Today, he shares a Vice Cooler-directed video for the churning, midtempo track “Smile On.” Offering a markedly rawer, more stripped-down sound than the dense rock soundscapes of the Entrance Band, on “Smile On” Blakeslee yelps over twangy acoustic and electric guitar lines with a simple drum and shaker scheme low in the mix. The visuals are somewhat haunting early, but they end on a brighter note that matches the triumphant feel of the song. In black-and-white rewind, the video opens at Blakeslee’s fictional funeral with dark, black imagery, and progressively brightens, concluding with Blakeslee in a white suit and shirt basking in bright light, comfortable with his impending death. Check it out.

Blakeslee is opening for Father John Misty on some upcoming tour dates:

02/09 Los Angeles, CA @ Roxy Theater
02/12 Brooklyn, NY @ Rough Trade NYC
02/14 New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
02/16 Montreal, QC @ Virgin Mobile Corona Theatre
02/18 Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall

Ophelia Slowly is out now on Everloving.

more from News