Gang Of Youths have released the official video for their latest single, ‘the man himself’. It arrives as the Sydney band prepare for a big month of UK touring, including four sold-out headline shows and an arena tour supporting Sam Fender.
The video features Gang of Youths frontperson David Le’aupepe singing the song against a flickering sepia backdrop. Regular collaborator Joel Barney directed the clip and Mickey Mason is responsible for the animations seen throughout.
“Dave came to me with the idea of creating a video that incorporated the idea of a younger version of himself,” Barney said. “We wanted to blur the lines of the connection by making it seem like flashes of Dave reminiscing on his childhood or the younger version of himself imagining the future.”
‘the man himself’ came out in early October and Le’aupepe was candid about how the lyrics reflect on his struggle to live without the guiding hand of his late father. “If I ever have kids I’m not really sure how to raise them without my dad helping me out,” he said.
‘the man himself’ follows the band’s two previous 2021 singles, ‘the angel of 8th ave.’ and ‘unison’, both of which also explore the life and legacy of Le’aupepe’s father. ‘the angel of 8th ave.’ and ‘unison’ appeared alongside ‘asleep in the back’ on the three-track total serene EP, released in July 2021.
‘the man himself’ is speculated to be the first taste of G.O.Y.’s to be announced third album. Their latest long-player, Go Father in the Lightness, came out in August 2017. Check out the video for ‘the man himself’ below.
