We’ve got the premiere of “Sculie”, the new video from Barnsley, South Yorkshire’s BRUJA. With its bewitching fuzziness and staticky clarity, “Sculie” seems like it could be a rock band’s travelogue from a bygone era. The song’s retro earnestness deepens this vibe and it ultimately creates a welcoming and charming reality that one can’t help but want to revisit as soon as the video ends.
Shot at their local Working Man’s Club using analogue VHS tapes (something of a passion for BRUJA and especially guitarist Giannis) the video opens with the band playing pool and from there it documents their camaraderie in an unabashed and genuine way. From making it rain playing cards to enjoying frosty brews to simply hanging at the merch table, “Sculie” captures a series of candid moments that convey joy and fun. While the video skirts the edges of being a documentary, it never feels voyeuristic and instead feels like watching home videos of friends that just so happen to be living the rock and roll lifestyle.
Friendship is actually a driving factor behind “Sculie” and the fact that bassist Delyth and drummer Zach wrote and sing the song together only strengthens the theme. But that doesn’t mean the song doesn’t still rock or have its edges. “Sculie” is two and a half minutes of grunge pop that you’ll want to listen to again and again and with such a playful and enjoyable video, that won’t be a problem.
Also, I’d like to add that I don’t know if it was the VHS quality or what, but the Fender bass and guitar (pretty sure they might’ve both been Jazzmasters?) played by Delyth and Giannis respectively looked absolutely gorgeous in the video. There was just something about those headstocks and the lived in feel of the instruments that I couldn’t take my eyes off of.
Tour Dates
Wednesday 05 October 2016: Castle Hotel (Manchester, UK)
Saturday 15 October 2016 – Sunday 16 October 2016: A Carefully Planned Festival #6 2016 (Manchester, UK)
You can buy the single for “Sculie/Torie” now. You can follow BRUJA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and on their website at www.bruja.co.uk.
