Stephen Malkmus summons an Ariana Grande android in his “Viktor Borgia” video
The Pavement frontman is pivoting to electronic on his new album Groove Denied.
Legend has it that once upon a time, Stephen Malkmus recorded an electronic solo album that was rejected by his label. Now, he's unearthing the project in its entirety. Groove Denied is out March 15 on Matador, but before that, the Pavement frontman has offered a glimpse into the LP's wonky sonic world with lead single "Viktor Borgia."
"I was thinking things like Pete Shelley’s ‘Homosapien,’ the Human League, and DIY synth music circa 1982... how in the New Wave Eighties, these suburban 18-and-over dance clubs were where all the freaks would meet—a sanctuary,” described Malkmus in a press release. That sanctuary, at least as depicted in the track's video, can spawn digitally rendered Ariana Grande dance cyborgs. Check out the clip above, and peep Malkmus's tour dates below.
Stephen Malkmus solo tour dates:
Wed May 1 – Toronto ON @ The Great Hall
Fri May 3 – Somerville MA @ Arts At The Armory
Sat May 4 – Ardmore PA @ Ardmore Music Hall
Sun May 5 – Washington DC @ Union Stage
Tues May 7 – Austin TX @ 3TEN ACL Live
Fri May 10 – Portland OR @ Doug Fir Louge
Sat May 11 – Seattle WA @ Columbia City Theater
Tue May 14 – San Francisco CA @ Swedish American Hall
Wed May 15 – Los Angeles CA @ Lodge Room