"Back to You" and "Cross my Mind" - Two cinematic music videos by Twin Forks

Posted on 28 October 2014 at 06:24

Twin Forks is a neo-folk indie band (think The Lumineers) whose first album came out last february (2014). The band has been heard on Americana-infused tv show like Reign or Hart of Dixie.

I came across two of their music videos for their songs "Back to You" and "Cross My Mind" and was captivated by the cinematography offered by these small pieces of life.

Both music videos have in common the ethereal image quality and beautiful cinematography.

The first video ("Back to You") follows the steps of a man who seemingly just lost someone (his brother ?) and traces back childhood memories : seeing himself as a child in the back the pickup truck he is driving, remembering games by the lake and treasure hiding. The video has a real narrative aspect, as it actually depicts the lyrics : "Follow the signs / Right back to you / I want to rewind right back to you".

The journey eventually leads him to the doorstep of his childhood sweetheart.

There is a nice twist at the end of the first music video :

The second one picks right up right where we left the pair, now on their way to dig up some old treasure chest they buried as childs.

"From time to time, you cross my mind / Good company is hard to find".

There is slight shift in the atmosphere and colouring of the video, as the image is warming up a bit :

Both videos are entertwined thanks to the story-telling and the characters (same actors in both videos), and were probably shot at the same time. The band is notably physically absent - though omnipresent through their energetic, let's-get-up-and-dance-by-the-fire music.

These beautiful videos remind me of recent native advertising posts (by @jbourne), especially as the music only starts at a 1:16 mark. It's really refreshing to see music videos that do not feature blatant fashion, product placements, models, or any kind of provocative image that has little to do with the music they are supposed to enhance.

These videos carry a "back to roots" element, as do the Twin Forks music.