In his new single iLove, Denmark born new wave lyricist Al Jacobi tackles issues of obsession, loneliness, and the pursuit of happiness in the digital age. Here at Independent Music News, we’re lucky enough to have been given the chance to share the music video with you and trust us; it’s not every day we come across a vid like this.
iLove is the first in a series of five songs set to be released every three weeks, centring around the theme of love and relationships, and how they flourish, wither and morph beneath the ever-growing shadow of social media. The music video is a stunning piece directed by Yoandry Gonzalez, starring Al himself alongside Josefine Lindhardt who gives a wonderfully subtle yet effective performance. There is almost Lynchian level of discomfort created within the four-minute film, which tells the story of a woman building a false online presence, and the creepy loner who has fallen head over heels for this fictional version of her. Ultimately, the viewer gets a sense that both characters are desperate for happiness, and have warped ideas of what that actually means. Admittedly, Al Jacobi’s leading man is somewhat more twisted, living at home in a world of his own creation heavily reminiscent of Ian McEwan’s short story Dead As They Come, in which a wealthy businessman becomes so obsessed with a mannequin that he purchases it and begins a relationship that can only be described as disturbing.
What we get in iLove is Denmark’s answer to the Kanye West school of rap, with clever lyrics that hit hard, and a powerful, catchy chorus sang in a robotic voice that reflects the subject matter. Interestingly, the music we hear throughout samples the iPhone typing sound for drums and tweaked phone alarms for the melody, bringing the record together with a thematic prowess that would impress any producer worth their salt.
Are modern-day relationships doomed from the start due to our window into the lives of others, or is there a light at the end of the tunnel? While iLove doesn’t claim to have the answer to this question, it certainly provides the listener with a lot to think about without losing the simple fact that it’s a fantastic single and music video. Check it out and let us know what you think!