Frankie Cosmos return today with the eerie new single “Aftershook,” another sample of the indie pop project’s upcoming album Inner World Peace. It comes with a surreal accompanying music video directed by Andy Rose Fidoten.
“Aftershook” is a meandering tune that reckons with its narrator’s past experiences and how they translate into present day. Over languid guitars, bandleader Greta Kline seems to ask: How do you know the “right” way to grow up without the proper example? “Being jaded and being aware/ Poised on opposite sides of the scale,” Kline sings in the track’s opening lines. “Try to get in the right mindset/ But it isn’t there/ It isn’t fair.”
“‘Aftershook’ is about processing the past, and grappling with maintaining a balanced ratio of emotional awareness and hopefulness,” Kline says in a press release. “The clown represents my fear of growing up into the kind of stunted adult that toxically influenced my youth.”
The music video for “Aftershook” begins from the point of view of its protagonist (Chloe Simone Crawford). Things seem normal at first as they wander around Brooklyn and grab a morning cup of coffee — until their hands start growing unruly fur. Thankfully, the maybe-werewolf has made a new acquaintance in the Bride of Frankenstein, and the pair later enjoy a dance party surrounded by their fellow maybe-monsters. Listen to Frankie Cosmos’ “Aftershook” below.
Inner World Peace — which Frankie Cosmos describe as a mixture of “70s folk and pop,” “ambient,” and “psych” influences — is due out on October 21st via Sub Pop. The band has already shared the dreamy lead single “One Year Stand.” Inner World Peace follows Frankie Cosmos’ two 2019 albums Haunted Items and Close It Quietly, and pre-orders for the new record are ongoing.