HEREFORTHEROSES RELEASE GREEN DAY-INSPIRED “CRIMINAL” MUSIC VIDEO
South African-born, Amsterdam-transplant HEREFORTHEROSES has shared the official music video to accompany their latest release “Criminal.” From the first chord progression, it’s evident that “Criminal” resembles Green Day’s 1996 hit “Brain Stew,” however, HEREFORTHEROSES has taken that progression and offers a fresh approach to blending pop-punk and alternative sonic elements.
“No matter the cards we are dealt, it always boils down to choice in the end,” HEREFORTHEROSES shares of the track. “Some choose to rise to the occasion. Some choose to fall. The only reason I’m still here is because of choice. My choice. What’s yours?”
Evident through the track’s pre-chorus, reading, “Tried to knock me down/Wasn’t good enough/Can you hear me now/Better buckle up,” “Criminal” suggests a sense of bettering one’s self despite having to overcome adversities and struggles.
HEREFORTHEROSES previously released their debut EP No Approvalin 2020, which showcased a more urban-pop leaning sound. However, HEREFORTHEROSES has taken a new approach to their recent 2021 releases including “Aint Over,” “Break Free!,” “Herefortheroses,” and “Got Me Like,” which have collectively garnered more than 100,000 streams onSpotify. Despite the artist’s previously pop-infused releases, they have shifted their recent tracks to showcase their punk roots and aren’t afraid to explore genres to push the boundaries of their sound.
Opening the “Criminal” music video, the camera fades in and out briefly displaying various children’s toys including a knit doll, a plush pig with wings, and a rabbit figurine. Following the opening sequence, you can see three individuals dressing in jumpsuits and vibrantly colored masks entering a toy store where they quickly steal a lollipop from a kid before holding up the cashier with a gun. However, when the robbers fire the gun, a pink-hued flower is released from the barrel versus a bullet.
While the video is highlighted by purple fluorescents and neon accents, it also offers a 90s vibe similar to what you might have seen from Green Day, Soundgarden, or Nirvana in their peak and offers viewers a sense of modern nostalgia. After holding up the toy store, a variety of robbers all gather together with their stolen treasures complete with a four-wheeler, candy, board games, a case of dynamite, lush furniture, and more.
“We wanted to keep the badass vibe as the foundation, but make it colorful, weird, and implement a little humor,” HEREFORTHEROSES says of the music video. “In the video, you see ‘creatures’ with masks robbing a toy store, they steal a kid’s candy and point a gun that shoots out a rose instead of a bullet. In the hanger scene, you see these creatures bringing stolen objects (TVs, toys, lamps, chairs, gold, etc.) to create a setting where [HEREFORTHEROSES] performs with all of the other creatures that are not your typical criminals.”
The “Criminal” music video was directed by Aras “4RAS” Zamani with Nikki Brautzsch joining as the creative producer. The video set was designed by Amy List Production and assisted by Mario Elshaar. “Criminal” stars Doug Geikie, Lilian Cmiljic, Melissa Schmucker, Sarah Kaßner, Tommy Wiemann, and Tobias Hantsche. The track was mixed by Chris Kasych and mastered by Ruairi O’Flaherty at Echo Mastering.