Exclusive video premiere of ‘My Own God’ by You Said Strange, taken from the upcoming EP, ‘Trade Your Soul,’ out March 29, 2024 via via EXAG / Le Cèpe Records.

Last month, French psychedelic noise-pop quartet You Said Strange announced details on their forthcoming EP, ‘Trade Your Soul’. Following the recent release of a new visual to accompany the EP’s title track, ‘Trade Your Soul’ (which serves as a new take on the track of the same name, taken from their recent LP, ‘Thousand Shadows Vol. 2’), the band returns today with a second cut off the project entitled ‘My Own God’.

In the tradition of classic indie rock, the band breaks new ground with their latest release, a simple yet highly melodic single that explores the idea of trust, tackling the complex themes of betrayal and disillusionment, demystifying the heroes in whom we have placed our trust but who have ultimately disappointed us. Let’s be our own God!

Carried by a captivating melody and an energetic, danceable tempo, all enhanced by an edgy, dynamic touch, Eliot’s dark-wave vocals guide us through hard-hitting lyrics, expressing the determination to believe in one’s own path. The hard-hitting chorus captures this emotion: “You endowed me with a name, you directed my faith, you showed me the light, but blinded me there’s nothing behind it…Next time, I’ll believe in my own god!” This determination is accentuated by the support of a female voice that doubles Eliot’s overall vocals, and stands out in the final section to counterbalance by bringing light to the female voice.

The track additionally sees the band using a spiritual metaphor to explore the idea that, if a creator doesn’t exist, we’ve invented him to build a framework, a conduct to edify a society. It’s a powerful musical experience, perfect for deep reflection while you sway.

The track’s arrival is additionally accompanied by a new video — in the spirit of a mockumentary about addicts in therapy and immersed in a retro ’90s aesthetic, the ‘My Own God’ video draws on the irreverent tone of C’est arrivé près de chez vous (B. Poelvoorde, R. Belvaux, A. Bonzel – 1992) and the eccentricity of the ‘I Wanna Prove to You’ video from The Lemon Twigs (circa 2017).

The video opens with a group of five varied people sitting in a circle at therapy. Each embodies a stereotypical addiction. The images and story seek to reflect each character’s inner conflict, reinforcing the message of ‘My Own God’. This mockumentary thus becomes a metaphor for the individual quest to find meaning in one’s own existence, even in the midst of emotional chaos and controlled appearances.

The forthcoming ‘Trade Your Soul’ EP marks a significant milestone for the band, seeing them broaden their horizons with a more striking musical approach and a number of innovations.

Headline photo: Charlotte Romer

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