Pitchfork

Thanks, Serena Maneesh, for using the condensed version of album track "Sapphire Eyes" for your video release. Nothing against v1.0 of the song (it's great), but a six minute "short" isn't really what I'm looking for...especially when the film for the remixed rendition, which clocks in at about half the time of the original, certainly isn't anything to write home about.

Utilizing high contrast, desolate settings, and a spacey, blurred atmosphere, the Hilma Nikolaisen-centric video, directed by Nick Small, is a good match for the tune. The problem? It simply isn't that interesting. Highlights include a creepy little kid (see: the last ten seconds of the vid) and a moose head.

The movie comes just ahead of Serena Maneesh's "Sapphire Eyes" single release, due via Playlouderecordings on October 2. The project, which will be released in both CD and 7" formats, was produced by Primal Scream's Brendan Lynch and comes backed by remixes from Riton (Kosmishe remix) and Mogwai producer Tony Doogan, as well as a "Lynch Mob" edit. Shorty, J-Dee, and T Bone in da house!

In addition to all that, the band is nominated in the "Best Norwegian Band" category for the MTV Europe Awards, scheduled to go down on November 4 at Copenhagen's Bella Centre. And Justin Timberlake's hosting! His publicist tells us that he's started growing a Emil Nikolaisen mustache in tribute. Or we're lying.

As previously reported, the group is smack in the middle of a U.S. tour. Remaining performances will run through early October.

Dates:

09-26 Denver, CO - Larimer Lounge *
09-27 Lawrence, KS - Jackpot Saloon *#
09-28 Denton, TX - Rubber Gloves *#
09-29 Austin, TX - Emo's #^
09-30 Houston, TX - Proletariat *#%
10-01 New Orleans, LA - Republic *#
10-02 Atlanta, GA - Drunken Unicorn *#
10-03 Chapel Hill, NC - Cats Cradle *#
10-04 Falls Church, VA - State Theater *#
10-05 Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church #&
10-06 New York, NY - Warsaw #&@

* with the Evangelicals
# with Woven Hand
^ with Magnolia Electric Co., Xiu Xiu, Cong for Brums, Bottomless Pit
% with Flowers to Hide
& with Bardo Pond
@ with Dirty on Purpose