Rökysopp, "Happy Up Here"

DEPECHE MODE> WRONG
From Dave Gahan’s ringing opening incantation of “Wrong” to its gut-wrenching, crunching climax, Patrick Daughters’ noirish video for Depeche Mode’s latest is a master class in filmic, suspense-driven storytelling. Perfectly matching the throbbing beat and nihilistic lyrics, a man wakes up strapped into a car in a Jason-esque mask that begins careening in reverse through the sodium-lit streets of a metropolis, smashing into pedestrians and cars along the way. Taking cues from the likes of David Fincher, the obtusely sadistic plot and the protagonist’s helpless, increasing terror exemplified by the reversed action ratchets up the tension to an inevitable, fever-pitched finale. Thrilling, beautiful stuff. [Prodco: The Directors Bureau; Label: Mute] EW

BAT FOR LASHES> DANIEL
Bat For Lashes’ “Daniel” might revel adoringly in the somber wind generated by Stevie Nicks’ twirling shawl, but its delightfully kooky video cements singer Natasha Khan as one of the most unique and theatrically-minded performers in music today. Directed by Johan Renck, “Daniel” styles Khan as a forlorn, glitter-smeared Little Red Riding Hood who must karate kick her way through a gaggle of interpretive dancers to board a retro station wagon en route to an awaiting Daniel (LaRusso?). It’s a bizarre ride into the nostalgic corners of Khan’s mind, aided by Renck’s sensuous cinematic eye. [Prodco: Black Dog Films/RAF; Label: EMI Records UK] KR

RÖYKSOPP> HAPPY UP HERE
Joyrider’s Reuben Sutherland has made apocalyptic alien invasions for the likes of PlayStation 2 game Resistance 2, but here world domination is given an ironic pop art and retro arcade game makeover for Rökysopp’s bouncy pop ditty “Happy Up Here”. Lichtenstein-esque billboards bear witness as Space Invader ships pop out of billboards and spar with cute, car based adversaries. Sutherland throws a host of directorial flourishes into the live action, animation and CG mix: arty focus pulls, snappy editing and some snazzy explosions. A whimsical War Of The Worlds. [Prodco: Joyrider, London: Label: EMI Records France] EW