Music Video Review: “Freak Show”
Originally published in The Other Side Reviews | Written by Jordon Briggs
A couple of years ago, The Other Side Reviews came across filmmaker and musician Alyssa Rallo Bennett with her solo musical project; today, we’re excited to come across her again. Raised in a creative family, Bennett found a passion for creative expression early on and pursued it with zealous fervour, her visual and musical style digging deep into the “…psychology of the human spirit and heart… and the desire to tell intimate stories a bit closer to the bone.” Come along as we look at her latest musical endeavour, The Yesters, and the video for ‘Freak Show’.
In the music video for ‘Freak Show’, the latest single from The Yesters, singer-songwriter Alyssa Rallo Bennett plays the role of the song’s protagonist, Irene – a person struggling with substance addiction. Bennett wanders a city alleyway, heading away from her expensive car in stylish clothes as a creepy vaudevillian flute melody sets the tone. Gary Bennett’s flute creates uncertainty while director Toon De Melker drops us into this world with an effective long take.
Over cabaret rock ’n’ roll, Bennett portrays a battered, malnourished addict: “My name is Irene, I’m new on the scene/I’m out on the street, blood and socks on my feet”. Yet, The Yesters use stock images of one kind of addict while having us watch a well-dressed, wealthy woman in her place – a narrative strictly noting that Irene’s health continues. Special effects manifest a group of circus performers who stop Bennett in her tracks, crowd her and nearly seduce her to join them.
Find out more about The Yesters on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, Soundcloud, YouTube and Spotify.