First things first, be sure you have 8 minutes before you commit to watching nonkeen's new video, "chasing god through palmyra." Then make sure you're sitting down, since this slow and somber track is likely to put you in a supremely relaxed state, despite overtones that suggest nonkeen has decided to join M.I.A. in her musical expression of Syrian support.
While the music for "chasing god through palmyra" is mellow and calming, not unlike a slow-moving drug, the message behind the track's title and video may be somewhat more serious. It seems unlikely to be an accident that nonkeen chose Palmyra, the ancient Syrian city, as a setting for this new song as we struggle across the world to deal with what is happening in present-day Syria. While "chasing god through palmyra" follows a miniature toy train through perfectly timed tunnel entrances and exits, it's difficult to miss that all eyes are on the train and its occupants, much like all international eyes are on Syria and the millions of refugees fleeing a war-torn homeland.
Nonkeen's official description of the video maintains that the visuals follow the close relationship "between a man and a machine bonded by their escape fantasies as they circle together on an endless loop...inside a repetitive and psychedelic world." While that may be the overall theme, it's tough to deny the relevance of this track's nuances in our tumultuous world.
Shanna Gibbs writes stuff, watches Netflix and dreams about her triumphant return to New York. And she's on Twitter: @BananaintheCity