Arliston releases music video for “451”

South Londoners Jack Ratcliffe and George Hasbury make up Arliston, a duo that has steadily gained recognition since their debut EP, Hawser, in 2018. With each release, their mesmeric blend of spacey production and dreamlike harmonies has earned them praise from both tastemakers and fans alike. Their music has amassed over 2.2 million streams on Spotify alone and has received support from BBC Radio One and Amazing Radio.

Now they’ve once again mesmerised listeners with their latest single, “451,” released through their own label, Sob Story Records. Accompanied by a music video directed and produced by Bo Morgan, “451” is the third instalment from Arliston’s forthcoming EP, set to drop next month. “451” takes inspiration from Ray Bradbury’s classic novel, ‘Fahrenheit 451,’ and it’s clear that Arliston has crafted a song that embodies the eerie and dystopian atmosphere of the book. The track is set to a 7/8 time signature, creating an intriguing rhythm that perfectly complements the theme of a world that’s not quite normal.

From the first notes of “451,” an enthralling cinematic atmosphere unfolds. Erratic soundscapes collide with surreal and hypnotic interludes, immersing the listener in a subtly haunting soundscape that reflects the dystopian narrative of the song. Arliston’s vocalist, Jack Ratcliffe, explains that he was reading ‘Fahrenheit 451’ while writing the song, and the lyrics explore the feeling of being lost, even amidst the trappings of modern life, resonating eerily with the age of social media and self-doubt.

Arliston’s attention to detail extends beyond the music itself, as shown by the accompanying music video for “451.” In an effort to recreate the ambiguous and nostalgic future depicted in the book, the duo filmed the video using cheap VHS camcorders and even sourced a vintage cathode ray-tube TV from the 1960s. The result is a visually gripping love letter to the book, adding another layer of depth to the song’s overall experience.

“451” showcases Arliston’s maturity as artists. The song effortlessly weaves intricate instrumental textures, delicate piano chords, and dynamic rhythms, all anchored by soulful vocals that exude raw emotion. The chorus’s layered voices create a blissful call-and-response effect, further adding to the song’s enchanting allure.

The accompanying music video for “451” perfectly complements the song’s aesthetic. Its lo-fi retro style and abstract shots, intercut with scenes of individuals in silver suits building and covering wooden boards of the numbers 451 with book pages, contribute to a hazy and artistic visual narrative. It adds an extra layer of depth to the already evocative music, further immersing the listener in Arliston’s world.

With “451,” Arliston continues to win over audiences with their unique sound and original artistic vision. As they prepare to release their forthcoming EP, the duo’s growth and musical evolution continues to inspire. Their ability to craft expansive and enchanting alternative pop songs confirms their place as a promising act in the music scene of the UK and beyond. “451” is a tantalising taste of what’s yet to come from Arliston, leaving fans eagerly awiting the release of their highly anticipated EP.

Watch the music video for 451 below

More from Music

---

Editor Picks

---