Exclusive Video Premiere: ‘Strange Figurine,’ The Black and White Years

ABOVE: THE BLACK AND WHITE YEARS. PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDREA MENDOZA

Mannequins might seem a strange choice for a music video all about nuanced emotion, confusing feelings, and torn hearts. But they are the perfect stoic actors for Austin-based band The Black and White Years’ charming new video “Strange Figurines,” in which the whole plot hinges on characters not saying what they’re thinking.

The song is loosely based on a friend of guitarist Scott Butler’s. Said friend had fallen for a girl living with her boyfriend, but, as the he saw it, kept hinting that she wanted him. He never acted on his gut, though, and things continued as they were. In the pseudo-old-western fantasy video, the mannequins share a single kiss at the end in an empty saloon–a seemingly happy ending.

The song is one of 10 on the Austin-based band’s LP, also titled Strange Figurines and out today on Modern Outsider Records.

FOR MORE ON THE BLACK AND WHITE YEARS, VISIT THEIR WEBSITE.