On the off chance you somehow missed it, Radiohead, one of the world’s most beloved bands, released their first new song since 2011. “Burn the Witch” also came with a deeply unnerving stop-motion video. The clip shows cheery stop-motion villagers doing terrible things to one another. The pressing question is after watching the clip is “Why?” and now it looks like we have an answer.
In an interview with Billboard, video animator Virpi Kettu explained the reasoning behind the creepy take on British children’s television. From the directions she was receiving from the band, she believes that the band is looking to take on nationalistic and anti-refugee ideas that are sweeping throughout Europe and the U.S. Via the interview:
“She opines they may have wanted “Witch” to raise awareness about the refugee crisis in Europe and the ‘blaming of different people… the blaming of Muslims and the negativity’ that could lead to sentiments such as “burn the witch.” She alluded to the mysterious postcard some Radiohead fans received recently that read, ‘we know where you live,’ a suggestion, she thought, of the current insecurity and blame game spawned by anti-immigration politicians.”
Who knows if they’ll whip out some more Wicker Man tributes at Austin City Limits?
(Via Billboard)
