MGMT- “Nothing to Declare”
Setting no boundaries musically while captivating a visually mesmerizing piece, MGMT's third single from their fifth-coming album, "Loss of Life," is textured in the personal beauty of life and adversity. "Nothing to Declare" is far from the band's sound of psych-rock, but it is impeccable with a touch of soft melancholic hymn and acoustic strum.
The lyrics evoke the beauty and changing nature of life as they respond to one's aspirations to explore the universe in search of what's new; this could be general and personal as the stages of life in an ever-changing world may question oneself. "The world's my Fine De Claire/ My Spanish castle in the sky" Andrew VanWyngarden's saccharine vocals sing in defining the world as his oyster, but his future is almost of the idea that there is nothing to explain. As the lyrics search for an answer to life and oneself, not declaring a specific outcome, the accompanying music video perfectly meshes with the lyrical theme.
The deeply moved video becomes a visual storytelling treat by showcasing a statement that pushes boundaries yet speaks volumes to a community of adversity. The project features Igna Petry, born without arms, on her journey to Paris. Portrayed in every frame is an insight into what every day can look like in the circumstances of a disability, but one that does not define the incapabilities of being a human. Petry begins by getting ready and singing the lyrics, "Nothing to declare/Not in the bags under my eyes." As she applies her makeup with her feet, watchers feel a sense of awe as this unexpected take gravitates towards a compelling story. Watching Petry in Paris as she explores the culture of food, art exhibits, and clubs showcases a genuine statement of how life is not declared by anything. Simple yet subtle, the idea of thriving by the working force by using just her feet as a source of living creates a story that genuinely touches the soul. Near the film's end, a clock seems ticking (indicating how time indeed exits without realization) in the background as different frames present the luxury of her life in Paris and "Don't ask me how I know" repeats. Within a few seconds, a statement shot of the Venus statue is revealed, showcasing the beauty of art and the concept of life becoming art, as Petry exemplifies precisely that.
While "Nothing to Declare" becomes a new sound for the band, it reinvents and rejuvenates the musical evolution of MGMT. The artfulness of different sounds and melodies making the song divergent from their knack of rock is a masterpiece illustrating how oriented they can venture out from. The song becomes more compelling as it sets a new standard of how music and the accompanying music video should create more significance with an execution of meaningful storytelling.
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