David Koch’s solo debut, Dormant, which dropped on unvague on May 10, is characterized by the delicate-sounding voice of the Bern-based musician, as well as beats and melodies that exude a spirit of experimentation. Now, the label is releasing a video for “Birth” and “Beautiful Stranger”, two pivotal tracks from this album that bring to mind the epic self-titled album by James Blake in 2011. We are excited to present this video as an exclusive premiere.

The first part of the footage, accompanying the song “Birth”, cautiously guides us through an empty swimming pool. It may have been an unfriendly autumn day when Till Hillbrecht, one of the individuals behind unvague and the video’s director, captured the surroundings on camera. The leisure facility’s inventory is showcased: diving platform, lifebuoy, showers, slide—everything is there. However, the most crucial elements are missing: the water in the pools, the beautiful weather, and, of course, the cheerful people.

Similarly devoid of human presence is the second part of the video, set to the tune of “Beautiful Stranger”. This time, the focus shifts to machines that usually transport humans and materials: cars, construction machinery, trucks, trains, cranes. They appear just as lost without people as the swimming pool props from part one. What the two chapters of the video share, aside from this absence, is the unadorned style of capturing the scenes. Curiously and seemingly uninhibited, the surroundings are explored, simultaneously cautious and respectful. And this sentiment translates to the music as well. The curiosity and carefulness displayed on Koch’s album are remarkable. It’s a unique rendition of adventurous chamber pop, which finds a fitting complement in Hillbrecht’s footage:

David Koch’s Dormant was released on May 10 on unvague. Get it here.