Death Cab for Cutie announced last week an insanely ambitious plan for their “You Are a Tourist” video: shoot it in one single take and broadcast it online simultaneously. Ben Gibbard and Co. attempted the first-ever feat last night, and you can watch the result here.
How’d they do? They pretty much nailed it, which is especially surprising considering the video is a heavily staged affair. Gibbard doesn’t just stand around and lip synch, as his bandmates simulate performing on their instruments. Instead, there’s a troupe of six dancers delivering heavily choreographed moves, multiple camera shots, Death Cab decked out in lit-up suits a la Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” video, and loads of intricately designed, psychedelic lighting patterns, which are synchronized to the song’s sturdy pulse. Bravo!
WATCH: Death Cab for Cutie, “You Are a Tourist”