The lead single of an album needs to pack a punch — whether it be through the song’s musical soundscape or its narrative & story-building lyricism. On “Vices”, the latest release and first single from Sarah & the Sundays forthcoming album “The Living End,” the band perfectly embodies both. The indie-rock group has been known to oscillate a perfect mix of high-energy production while blending introspective lyrics and “Vices” is no different. Penned from the perspective of someone grappling with loss, growth, and change, it’s easy to see the shift in songwriting maturity from the band’s previous releases. Joining the band on their path of growth & change is actress Eliza Taylor, known for her work on “The 100”, as she marks her directorial debut for the band’s new music video for “Vices”.

Set over an evening in LA, the “Vices” music video, which shows lead singer Liam donning clown make-up and attempting to navigate his heartbreak as he reminisces on the memories he shared with his partner, is a cinematic story that could double as a short film. Mirroring Liam as he encounters mimes & police officers (played by the other members of the band) against flickering memories, the video dances between the edge of heartbreak and hilarity with a gritty, psychedelic edge. “While lyrically Vices is a melancholy song about heartbreak, it has a cheerful and upbeat sound. We wanted to honor that juxtaposition in this video while telling a real story,” actress & director Eliza Taylor stated about the creation of the video. “We didn’t just want to make a music video, we wanted to make a short film about love lost and hope. I couldn’t be more thrilled with the finished product, especially with this being my directorial debut in the music space.”

The band echoes the same sentiment, stating, “The ‘Vices’ video follows a character throughout his journey to reconnect with a lost love. The song has many layers, so finding a narrative for the video was a thoughtful and exciting process. Working with Eliza Taylor was a dream come true! She added so much life to the project, on and off the camera.”

Ushering in a new chapter for both Sarah & the Sundays and Eliza as she demonstrates her directorial eye and knack for telling stories both on-screen and behind the camera, the music video for “Vices” is a glimpse into a universal journey so many have been on and can find solace in its story. If anything, “Vices” serves as a visual representation that when a band & director trust one another’s vision wholeheartedly, the final creation truly can pack a compelling & emotional punch.

Check out the video below now…