L.A.-based weirdoes Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti have just dropped the first video to promote their new album, Mature Themes, which was released this week in the States on the influential 4AD label.

The clip (for first single “Only in My Dreams”) complements the band’s lo-fi approach to jangly, psychedelic pop by using an ancient VHS camera to capture the androgynous Ariel Pink being kicked out of a motel room, saving a hipster girl from certain death, romancing a pretty maid and inviting another female fan on stage to rock out. There is also a requisite make-out scene and a mime.

“Only in My Dreams” may just be the most accessible track on Mature Themes, as it harkens back to the poppier sounds of the Elephant 6 collective and their forbearers R.E.M, The Beach Boys and The Everly Brothers.

Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti will be on tour September through early December with shows scheduled all over the U.S. with overseas stops in Liverpool, Glasgow, London, Paris, Berlin and Istanbul, amongst other markets.

Mature Themes track list
1. Kinski Assassin
2. Is This The Best?
3. Mature Themes
4. Only In My Dreams
5. Driftwood
6. Early Birds of Babylon
7. Schnitzel Boogie
8. Symphony of the Nymph
9. Pink Slime
10. Farewell American Primitive
11. Live It Up
12. Nostradamus & Me
13. Baby

www.4ad.com/artists/arielpinkshauntedgraffiti

Written by
August Forte