THESE WICKED RIVERS - 'EVERGREEN'
Written by Drew Hamley 20/08/20
An illustrated lyric video undergoes several stages of development before reaching its final production stage, exemplified by ‘Evergreen.’
This project marked my second collaboration with These Wicked Rivers, following ‘Tea Leaves,’ and the band had a clear vision for the illustrations.
Our protagonist, a disheveled and weary young man, seeks respite from the daily grind and wanders out of the city. He discovers a tree under which he finds solace and rests.
After falling asleep, our protagonist awakens in a dream-like forest known as the Evergreen. There, he encounters an old man who shares stories about life in this enchanting realm. Following their extensive conversation, the old man bids farewell, vanishing into the depths of the Evergreen. Remarkably, the young man undergoes a transformation, assuming the role of the old man and becoming the caretaker of the Evergreen.
The initial illustration I created depicted the young man, dressed in a disheveled business suit, standing in a gloomy, rain-soaked city. This scene was crucial in conveying his frustration and dissatisfaction with his life. His unkempt hair, unshaven face, untidy suit, and exhausted appearance portrayed his weariness as he almost aimlessly walked out of the city.
In the subsequent illustrations, the young man discovers a magnificent tree in a serene field. The colors used in these artworks are warmer, evoking a sunny and uplifting atmosphere unlike the first illustration. Seeking solace, the young man decides to rest under the tree, escaping from the challenges of his daily existence.
In the subsequent illustration, the young man awakens in the enchanting realm of the Evergreen. The band expressed a strong desire for this setting to resemble the lush and dense forests depicted in Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings.” To achieve this, I dedicated considerable time to studying dense forestry that exudes an aura of wisdom and age, permeating every glance and step.
Additionally, I experimented extensively with different color palettes, aiming to imbue the forest with an otherworldly and captivating charm. The initial exploration focused on selecting hues that would enhance the forest’s ethereal appeal.
Our protagonist stumbles upon the old man standing outside his log cabin nestled in the heart of the Evergreen. It was crucial for the likeness of this elder figure to resemble an actor previously featured in These Wicked Rivers music videos. Capturing the essence and maintaining a vibrant and captivating outfit were paramount.
Inside the old man’s cabin, we are introduced to a simplified lifestyle, free from the modern trappings of everyday society. It was important to depict a humble existence within this enchanting realm known as the Evergreen. I wanted the old man to exude vitality as he shares his life experiences, illustrating his contentment and joyous existence. Initially skeptical, the young man listens attentively, gradually opening up to the old man’s wisdom.
After their profound encounter, we witness the young man returning to the Evergreen, undergoing a gradual transformation into the old man. I meticulously redrew the illustration twice, depicting both characters with outstretched hands, symbolizing their connection. Through a subtle fade between the two illustrations, the metamorphosis is visually portrayed.
Next, we behold the old man standing outside the log cabin, now fully transformed from the young man. Realizing the profound change that has taken place, he embraces his new existence in the Evergreen. Contentment fills his heart as he embraces his newfound life in this magical realm.
We conclude with a captivating illustration of the original old man strolling into the depths of the Evergreen, gradually dissolving into nonexistence, symbolizing the passing of the torch to the young man.
To complement the style of the illustrated lyric video, I opted for a delicate brush stroke font for the lyrics. I find that using white text against intricate illustrations ensures optimal visibility and legibility.
After sharing my initial edit with the band, they provided valuable feedback and expressed their satisfaction with how it captured the essence of the story. However, they also desired a more psychedelic touch.
To achieve this, I implemented a continuous color shift on the illustrations during the editing process, creating visual interest by keyframing hue variations.
Additionally, we incorporated kaleidoscope effects between the illustrations, which proved to be an enjoyable aspect of production. These kaleidoscopes were composed of the illustrated pieces, rotated in Adobe After Effects with heightened saturation and shifting hues.
Multiple mirror effects were then applied at different angles to achieve the desired kaleidoscope effect.
To enhance the video, we added final post effects such as grain, film scratches, and a blurred vignette. These effects create a vintage aesthetic that complements this type of music.
This vintage effect often works well with the overall style and atmosphere of the video. It adds a nostalgic touch and enhances the visual experience.
If you’re interested in watching the complete video, you can check it out below! Enjoy!