Panopticon (Official Video)

The song ‘Panopticon’ started out with the working title of ‘Dinosaur Fight’–which sounds ridiculous, but we heard it sonically as the musical translation of what would happen during such a fight. The verses like raptors, pre-choruses like the calm before the storm, a massive blowout at the end of the bridge and the massive foot of Godzilla slamming down on everything in it’s path as the breakdown kicks in.

While this original idea was not incorporated into the final product for the video, the roller coaster of contrasting energy was, and that is what the color explosions are meant to convey. In moments when the song really explodes, the color really explodes onto the screen. The decision to make the video in black and white was part of this idea because it not only made the colors look better, but afforded us more versatility in what we could do with the footage.

We made this video ourselves, like all our video to this point. We shot the whole thing using a Canon 5D mk 2 in one day, did primary editing in Final Cut Pro, and did compositing touches in Adobe After Effects.

We used the multiply blend mode throughout the video, most of the time to make the background consistent, but also to create the “echo” effect while Maddie sang, although it is actually two different clips, as opposed to one that was offset by a few frames. We used the closeup to convey the sense of intimacy with the subject, and the the wide to give context. Also, no two people were ever filmed at the same time, so any shots where there are multiple band members are composited.

We wanted to make a video that matched the explosiveness and energy of the song, and we hope that you find that we succeeded.

Also, if you have not yet, you can download the song on iTunes by clicking HERE!

Bill also finished his bass parts for two of the songs and will get back to the bass station this weekend, whatever that means. So yeah, we are still busy.. tracking a full length album, Maddie is finishing up vocals for the acoustic EP, Justin is editing our video for ‘Panopticon’ and getting ready to start tracking guitars with Evan once Bill is done, and Matt, well, he’s sitting back and sipping some lemonade. His work here is done. Boo yeah!

And with that, here is our first recording update video, check it:

Recording Update 01

THS Acoustic Cover Series Volume 5: The Crane Wife 3 by The Decemberists

NEW HOLLOW SOUND SONG!

THS Acoustic Cover Series Volume 4: Piazza New York Catcher by Belle And Sebastian

THS Acoustic Cover Series Volume 3: I Will Follow You Into The Dark by Death Cab For Cutie