Kanye's Video for “All of the Lights” + Esben and the Witch

Kanye West has released the video for “All of the Lights,” a guest-heavy track off his incredible My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. He managed to feature 11 guest artists on the single, including the likes of Rihanna, Kid Cudi, Alicia Keys, John Legend, The-Dream, Fergie, Elly Jackson of La Roux and Elton John on piano. The song is based around a story of a selfish man who pushes away his family. Now we have a Hype Williams directed piece to accompany it, complete with lasers and flashing colours, Kanye on top of a police cruiser and a scantily-clad Rihanna (seriously, it looks as if she's wearing some type of boob harness). Check it out below.




Esben and the Witch are an indie neo-goth band from Brighton, England. The three-piece group signed with Matador last year and have just recently released their debut record Violet Cries. They named themselves after a Danish fairy tale about a boy, Esben, the youngest of 12 brothers who proves himself worthy, after being deemed unfit and useless by those around him. In terms of their music, its ghostly sound doesn't consist of your ordinary pop hooks. The possessed, distinctive voice of singer Rachel Davies sends your imagination into a haunting dream-like state. They experiment with some electronic beats, while swirling and drifting guitar and echoing drumbeats embody each track.

It took me a few listens to fully understand what all the hype was about, but I think I get it now. I've had a few songs on repeat, which is usually a good sign. Watch the video below of their debut single “Marching Song,” where we see the progression of a continuous beating on the faces of the three band mates. It's morbid, yet transfixing. It's hard to look away, and almost just as hard to watch. All the while, the haunting song plays in the background. I love that they have been able to do something so out of the box and keep my attention, which is why I applaud this band. I also recommend “Warpath” and “Lucia at the Precipice.”