Jenny Hval kicks off 2017 in style with the mesmerising video for her captivating new single ‘The Great Undressing’.
Jenny Hval’s critically acclaimed 2016 album ‘Blood Bitch’ was rightly featured on many of the big year-end lists and her live performances received similarly high praise. She has now announced more tour dates as well as sharing a stunning video for ‘The Great Undressing’.
The video features a naked woman (worth noting if you’re planning on having a look at it on your lunch break) performing everyday activities such as going to the gym, shopping and hitting the kebab shop late at night while those around her are fully clothed. It sounds slightly sensational but is actually the complete opposite. It’s a lovely film where the woman seems to take pleasure in the small things – dancing, embraces, a birthday celebration – while no-one pays any attention to the fact that she isn’t wearing clothes.
Director Marie Kristiansen, commented:
“I don’t want to overcomplicate the message; it’s my opinion that the audience should interpret this film as it suits them. I will, however, tell you what inspired me to make the film. From an intellectual point of view I was intrigued by what would happen if you watched a naked woman totally ignorant about her own nudity going about a normal day. Would she be perceived as a sexual object? Or would her nakedness and femininity become something ordinary and natural? I have not tried to steer the film in the direction I thought was right, it’s more of an experiment that you should be the judge of. From a spiritual point of view the film explores loneliness and isolation in a world where capitalism and blending in are the two ruling factors.”
The single throbs as Hval’s vocals melt into the shimmering haze of synths, reminding me of the hushed delivery of Lamb’s Lou Rhodes. There is a beautiful simplicity about some of Hval’s lyrics – “I don’t need money, I just need your love” – which is reflected in the video.
Yet again, Jenny Hval’s exceptional songwriting is perfectly complemented by an inspired, and beautiful, piece of film.
Jenny Hval 2017 Tour Dates
Saturday 14th January – Freiburg, DE Art’s Birthday @ e-Werk
Thursday 2nd February – Berlin, DE @ CTM Festival – HAU 1
Saturday 4th February – Munich, DE Ritournelle Festival
Friday 10th February – Tokyo, Japan Vacant (Pollution Symphony – Ultima)
Monday 13th February – Tokyo, Japan Astro Hall
Tuesday 14th February – Kyoto, Japan METRO
Tuesday 28th February – London, UK @ Rich Mix w/ Virginia Wing
Friday 3rd March – Graz, AT @ Elevate Festival
Saturday 4th March – Budapest, HU @ Trafo (Electrify Series)
Saturday 11th March – Marfa, TX @ Marfa Myths
Wednesday 29th March – Austin, TX @ Barracuda
Thursday 30th March – Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
Friday 31st March – Madison, WI @ The Sett (University of Wisconsin)
Wednesday 26th April – Bratislava, SK @ A4
Saturday 29th April –Braga, PT Gnration
Sunday 30th April – Lisbon, PT Biennial of Contemporary Arts @ Lux Frágil
Thursday 29th June – Saturday 1st July – Roskilde, DK @ Roskilde Festival
Friday 11th August – Saturday 12th August – Oslo, NO @ Øya Festival
Sunday 13th August – Helsinki, FI @ Flow Festival
This article was written for Backseat Mafia.