Video: RIVALS, ‘Strawberries’

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RIVALS (Photo by Matt Bender)

After garnering recognition for their cover of Twenty One Pilots’ “Heathens” and their debut album “Damned Soul,” RIVALS are gearing up for the release of their aptly titled sophomore album, “Sad Looks Pretty On Me,” out March 19 via Smartpunk Records. The Los Angeles rock outfit — Kalie Wolfe (vocals), Sebastian Chamberlain (bass), Micket Woodle (guitar) and Josh Alves (drums) — bring robust vocals and catchy pop hooks in their latest single “Strawberries.” The track serves as a departure from the band’s previously heavier sound, stepping into the more pop side of rock and filling a void that artists like Paramore left behind.

The video for “Strawberries” (directed by Matt Bender) showcases the energy that would be present at a RIVALS concert, if concerts were safely able to exist at the moment. Watch as the band puts their playful attitude on display, getting high on strawberries singing lyrics relatable to any emo kid like, “All the greats die young / That’s probably why I’m still alive.” “Strawberries” falls into the category of deceivingly upbeat sad songs, à la Rooney’s “Blueside” and Foster the People’s “Pumped Up Kicks.” Similarly, you can dance to “Strawberries” while you’re singing along to, “I think I’ll walk outside / butt naked into the night / right into those ocean waves / Tell me if I die here / in a field of my own fears.”

Pre-pandemic, RIVALS were known for their boisterous live shows, which landed them an opening slot for Red Jumpsuit Apparatus just a few years ago. Equally as catchy is their title track “Sad Looks Pretty On Me,” released earlier this year. Similar to “Strawberries,” this single is a step in the pop direction – think if a pop heavy-hitter like Dua Lipa grew up listening to Flyleaf, Evanescence, the Pretty Reckless and early Paramore. Don’t let the comparisons fool you, though, RIVALS has a distinct sound and Wolfe’s vocals are unmistakable. This year’s releases so far are clearly a preview of the album to come, and this sound looks good on them.

||| Watch: “Strawberries”

||| Also: Watch the video for “Sad Looks Pretty on Me” and “Lavenders”