Premiere: WHSTLE are soaked and ‘Terrified’ in new music video

When it comes to love, you’ve got to protect your heart at all costs. But it can sneak up on you when you’re not expecting it, just like a snake bite. At least, that’s what power-pop vocalist Saydi Driggers came to learn when Cupid struck her with one of his heart-shaped arrows. In penning a new grunge-punk song called “Terrified,” off her band WHSTLE‘s latest EP, Built for It, she sought to redeem the ache in her chest. “I wrote this song in the midst of falling for someone when I felt like I wasn’t ready. It’s not like I was doubtful but more so nervous to make the leap and take the chance on getting my heart broken again,” she tells B-Sides & Badlands, premiering the song’s almost mischievous visual, which sees the alternative troupe engaging with the darkest parts of the emotions. “While the vibe of the song is dark, my lyrics aren’t really saying ‘I don’t want to be in love’ but “slow down I am scared.”

The brevity of the clip is torrential, a down pouring of stinging hues of deep purple and blue. The shadows serve to exacerbate the feelings of sheer terror, as you can see reflecting off the band’s eyes. Rounded out with guitarist William Butler and drummer Jake Briggs, the electronic-based trio mingle scatter-brained shockwave rock with cloying trip-hop. On the video, directed by Driggers, the band explains their intent, “‘Terrified’ delves into the chaotic emotions involved when you fall deeply for someone. It focused on the duality of electric elation and a paralyzing loss of control. You’re disoriented and breathless with the end result being a petrifying drowning sensation.”

The utilization of water shouldn’t be lost on the viewer, tugging you into the suffocated storyline and even making you feeling quite uneasy. “Don’t wanna be scared of your love,” Driggers mumbles as the clash of drums, synths and guitars crescendoes into an astonishing frenzy. “Slow it down / What you’re doing to me,” she prompts on the opening line. But as they say, the heart wants what the heart wants, fear be damned!

Watch below:

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