PREMIERE: Dresser Tackles Self-Doubt in Ana-Maria Espino Trudel-Directed "Competency" (Music Video)
Dresser, from left to right: Chrissy Lawson (bass), Finn Dalbeth (guitar and vocals), Kevin White (drums), photo by Alex Apostolidis
Trigger Warning: The following music video contains flashing lights that may affect those who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy or have other photosensitivities.
Montreal art rock trio Dresser reckons with quarter-life uncertainty with the premiere of “Competency”, a kaleidoscopic music video melt-down softened by DIY charm. Directed, edited and produced by multi-hyphenate media artist and filmmaker Ana-Maria Espino Trudel, “Competency” sees Dresser embrace catharsis at a trippy band practice in an unidentifiable studio.
Between whirring zooms, psychedelic transitions and the band jamming in strobing, red light in various degrees of focus, Espino Trudel skillfully personifies the anxious and existential monologue of vocalist-guitarist Finn Dalbeth.
On “Competency”, Dalbeth shares:
“Musically, Competency is our stab at a dancey and carefree pop tune. But lyrically it is self deprecating and faintly sinister. The first verse is essentially me calling myself incompetent, hopeless, and lazy, which I find in a light-hearted way to be quite a fun and empowering tone to take in front of a live audience. The song goes on to fantasize about sabotaging a generally harmonious relationship, and explores further feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction. While all this may seem grim, writing ‘Competency; felt like a healthy outlet at the time. Even though in hindsight it certainly could be an example of ‘writing on the wall’. In the funniest way, of course."
“Competency” is Dresser’s first offering from the band’s independent sophomore album Fuel, set to release August 2nd, 2024.
Buoyant yet gritty, “Competency” brings a garage-meets-jangle spunk to the ever-pensive Dresser. Recorded and mixed by René Wilson (Faith Healer, Anemone, Baby Jey) at Value Sound Studios in Montreal, “Competency” tempts both headbanging and swaying, (hopefully) hinting at the worlds traversed on Fuel.
Until the full-length arrives, watch the video for “Competency” below!
FUEL
Out August 2nd, 2024
1. Heavenly Lethargy
2. The Wringer
3. Dolena
4. Competency
5. Never
6. By Your Side
7. Fuel
8. Still Looking
Recorded and mixed by René Wilson at Value Sound Studios in Montreal
Dresser
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Zoë Argiropulos-Hunter (she/her) is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of Also Cool Mag. Aside from the mag, she is a music promoter & booker, and a radio host & DJ.