INTERVIEWSLost in Translation? Phoenix's 'Entertainment' Video Is an Epic Asian Mashup

'Bankrupt!' is due out April 23 via Loyaute/Glassnote

Phoenix have shared the first video from the French band's upcoming Bankrupt!. "Entertainment," the first single from the album, contains something similar to what's known as the Asian riff. The video, directed by Patrick Daughters (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Feist, Grizzly Bear) emphasizes that melodic element and visually accompanies the song with scenes of a Samurai-like soldier, a geisha-like woman, a pop singer, a businessman, masses of people moving in sync, and top military brass. The clip recalls Rihanna's flirtations with Asian-themed imagery last year, or Nicki Minaj and Gwen Stefani's before that. It's somewhat puzzling, and definitely immersive.