Earlier this year, Hot Chip’s Alexis Taylor released the critically acclaimed solo album Paris In The Spring. Following that success, he collaborated with Mike Simonetti, co-founder of the Italians Do It Better label, to release the infectious track “Perfect Kiss.” With the 12″ single version of that track arriving later this week, the duo has shared a surprising new offering: a synth-pop reimagining of an indie-folk staple.
Originally released in 1999, Will Oldham’s I See A Darkness, recorded under his Bonnie “Prince” Billy alias, remains one of the most revered records in his extensive catalog. Its legacy was further cemented when Johnny Cash famously covered the title track, with Oldham providing backing vocals, just a year later. The song has also seen a notable interpretation by Rosalía, who closed her 2017 debut album Los Ángeles with a rendition. While most versions of the song lean into its heavy-hearted, somber roots, Taylor and Simonetti have opted for a sparkling, synth-driven approach.
The result is a compelling balance where melancholy and electronic brightness coexist. Elizabeth Wight, Simonetti’s partner in the duo Pale Blue, returns to provide backing vocals, maintaining the continuity established on “Perfect Kiss.” The accompanying music video, directed by Ben Crook, features Taylor alongside German actor David Bredin, with cameos from Jarvis Cocker and Sian Ahern.
Reflecting on the creative process, Taylor shared his vision for the project:
Sat in the dark in a hotel room on my own on tour, and after three aborted attempts to work with different filmmakers to get something made for “I See A Darkness,” I came up with a very simple idea myself, to accompany the music and to try to get to the emotion and the narrative at the core of Will Oldham’s beautiful song. I saw the room that we see in the film — the scene, the two men facing each other and getting closer in their armchairs as the intensity of what they sing to each other increases. I saw the lady at the center and back of the same space, illuminated by lamp light for the choruses, and the red balloon hovering over the 4 people in the scene. I wanted this to be like a televised Samuel Beckett play, and to be surreal, simple, and emotionally direct. Ben Crook helped me massively, understanding my vision, directing beautifully and bringing the whole thing to life.
I cast David Bredin after meeting him in Rostock, Germany and believing he would be right for the role. I’m glad I trusted my gut. He delivers an incredibly moving performance and somehow exceeded my expectations of what we could achieve emotionally in this short film. He clearly feels what he is conveying through the lyrics, and you can’t miss that.
Jarvis Cocker and Sian Ahern are both composed and brilliant in their supporting roles, and they were there to represent Mike Simonetti and Elizabeth Wight’s musical roles in the track.
Bonnie himself is there in spirit, all “busted up,” to quote another of his songs; the sculpture was made as a surprise for me by Ben.
It was a joy to conceive this and to work on it with Ben Crook and the whole team on the day. The best experience I have had on a video shoot. I hope people connect with it!
Below, you can watch the official video for the cover, followed by the original Bonnie “Prince” Billy version.
The “I See A Darkness” b/w “Perfect Kiss” single is scheduled for release on June 12 via Smugglers Way.
