This week, we have a Music Video Monday rarity. Since I started MVM many moons ago, it has been dedicated to showcasing Memphis artists, whether they are the musicians or the filmmakers. Normally, I have more than enough submissions—my backlog has been up to three months deep at some points. But this Monday, I found myself in a curious situation. I have several Memphis-based music videos scheduled for future dates, to coincide with record releases and upcoming shows, but none are available for this week. Luckily, I got a submission from a great band for whom I am willing to make an exception to my “Memphis-only” policy.
…And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead are an Austin, TX outfit whose 2002 album Source Tags and Codes was a seismic event in indie rock. Blending the thick-as-molasses guitars associated with shoegaze with the frantic tempos of pop-punk and a lyrical approach that is simultaneously intellectual and visceral, Conrad Keely and Jason Reece have been tearing up stages around the world for the better part of two decades.
When their 2020 tour was interrupted by the Covid pandemic, Keely and Reece found themselves faced with nothing to do for the first time in their careers. So they decided to take their time recording a new album, which would become XI: Bleed Here Now.
“We came up with a basic plan, based on VH1’s Behind The Music and Classic Albums documentaries of the albums we loved––Led Zeppelin, Rush, Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd,” says Keely. “We would do it like a lot of them had done before. Instead of paying hourly rates at some hip, high-tech professional studio, we would find a spot we could afford to lease for a couple months so that we never felt stressed for time, and in a relaxing location that would put us at complete ease and make us look forward to showing up every day.”
Now, with an acclaimed new album, Trail of Dead is back on the road. One of their first stops on the new tour will be in Memphis on August 13 at the Hi-Tone. The video for “Kill Everyone” gives you a sense of what one of their legendary live shows is like. Directed by Sam Rich and Andrew Leeper, and filmed live at Austin’s Chess Club, is an old-school sonic blaster. Strap in:
If you would like to see your music video featured on Music Video Monday, email cmccoy@memphisflyer.com.