Already familiar with the Partner catalogue, including their recent sophomore album, Never Give Up, I had assumed I knew what to expect from the band. And then the new video for “Good Place to Hide (At the Time)” came with a warning: here be mimes.
And I get it. Coulrophobia had a big couple of years there. Prior to the pandemic, it seemed like the #1 reason to stay indoors and that was even before the remake of Stephen King’s IT in 2017.
Fortunately, the mimes portrayed in the video are more awkward and less the evil nightmare-fuelling shapeshifting spider-type. Instead, we’re seeing a character development story that spans from imposter syndrome, to growing into yourself (or, at least, embracing that awkwardness, for better or worse).
“Please take note of the content warning, this video includes mimes (clowns). This video is the result of a collaboration between ourselves and our friend Mylou Sauvage. We were so excited when Mylou offered to direct our next music video. We knew she was a film industry professional with a lot of experience, and that she would be the perfect person to interpret our queer, melancholy prog rock song,” says the band.
“We had quite an adventure making this video. The journey to the set was dramatic, featuring an unexpected snowstorm. Despite wretched weather, we had a wonderful day and we were extremely inspired by Mylou’s one-of-a-kind leadership qualities and artistic eye. She brought together an amazing crew of friends, family and co-workers to help on the set, and we had so much fun working together and celebrating over pizza at Tartinizza later that night.”
Mylou Sauvage, sadly, passed away in her sleep on February 16, 2020.
“We are so happy with how the video turned out, but the greatest gift was the day we all spent together. We are so grateful to have this memento of that wonderful day with our friend Mylou. Never Give Up is dedicated to her memory.”
Overall, the video may be Partner offering their commentary on the rough and tumble world of the music industry. It certainly wouldn’t be the first time someone thought it might be an excellent place to hide from all manner of things ranging from ostracization to real-world responsibilities. As the duo explains, the completion of their most recent album didn’t come easily, and the threat of the dreaded sophomore slump loomed over them. It could be that Partner were second-guessing their hiding place.
However, none of this explains why Josée Caron, as a mime, would require an actual guitar to make noise…