Psiblingz - Till We're Found

Psiblingz - Till We’re Found is a music video that explores the impact of the opioid crisis and its effect on an individual, entirely presented through visual storytelling accompanied by music from lo_ryde featuring ROCH. A blend of soul, hip-hop, and R&B stylistically aligns with the tone of the video, thanks to the raw performances from the musicians tackling a sombre subject matter. The video also works well with the song due to its plethora of idiosyncratic formal choices within an uncompromising vision and risky creative decisions.

The direction is immediately engaging, as it brings the viewer into the point of view of the protagonist in agony, utilising surrealism and visual storytelling to emphasise the subject matter. While it may be too difficult for viewers to digest such a grim tone, musicians and storytellers should convey essential topics like this to educate audiences through a visual medium. Themes of substance abuse and self-loathing are present through the central character’s actions to express their inner turmoil and the drastic impact this can have on an individual. The mix of archival footage intertwined within the narrative is a practical formal choice to express empathy towards the many lives that were lost, sadly, due to the opioid epidemic.

While the style of the music may not appeal to everyone, the hybrid of genres is incredibly impactful and leaves a lasting impression on the viewer. Although the narrative lacks focus, the visuals effectively complement the grim and moody tone of the music, pervading the themes of addiction and isolation. The use of indistinct imagery can be a detriment to the overall visual style and is a baffling creative choice, however, given how unique most of the piece looks and feels. On the other hand, the use of close-ups, particularly of the eyes, is astoundingly impactful and makes the experience visceral in portions. Even with a complete lack of dialogue, the actor portraying the protagonist, Jackson Hay-Inkol, does a fantastic job of conveying the character’s emotions through facial expressions and the physicality of the role.

It's a breath of fresh air to have a music video be topical while widely engaging through its visuals and music, a rarity in the current landscape. The presentation at times can also become distorted within the imagery, creating a disorienting feeling akin to what the character is experiencing on screen. The tone and content present in the piece can be challenging to witness. Still, there's also a light at the end of the tunnel for support and shining a light on these themes to ensure others are not alone with issues of addiction, which is such an important and beautiful message to leave the viewer with. Although the conclusion to the piece is haunting, allowing the viewer more leeway to explore its myriad of themes with further depth could have made the overall impact of its closing moments more thematically potent.

Psiblingz - Till We’re Found is an experimental experience that offers a profound sense of empathy for the lives affected by the opioid crisis. While some formal choices may throw the viewer off their engagement in the narrative, the music accompanied by the visceral depiction of self-destruction will likely stick with you and help others to overcome their struggles with addiction.