Pitchfork

Merge Records is lending a hand to those still unsure of what exactly Camera Obscura are all about. In a 10-minute "primer" shot by Blair Young (with some additional footage from Francis MacDonald), edited by David Arthur, produced through the Forest of Black by MacDonald, and also directed by MacDonald (whew!), the lives and personalities of each Camera Obscura contributor are revealed, as is the band's group dynamic.

Each member takes a turn at being evaluated by their Camera Obscura peers. Guitarist/vocalist Kenny McKeeve is "loveable" and "a bit self righteous." Vocalist/guitarist Tracyanne Campbell has "lots of frocks." Bassist Gavin Dunbar is an "optimistic" "gentle giant" who "likes eggs." Drummer Lee Thomson is a "fiery," "temperamental," "mad as a hatter" "sharp dresser" and "good guy, good drummer." Trumpeter Nigel Baillie is "charming," "diplomatic," and "saw the moon-landing on TV." Pianist/organist/vocalist Carey Lander is "quiet, except when she's had a drink in her" and "like a little sweet kitten licking milk off a bowl in winter."

Well, that was helpful.

After the meet and greet, Camera Obscura explain their June 2006 Merge release Let's Get Out of This Country, detailing the whole as well as specific tracks.

Viewers also have a chance to get acquainted with the collective's favorite and least favorite things ("peace and quiet," "being winked at," "corn sausages" and "pretentious people," "people who make assumptions," "litter bugs," "the 62 bus because it's quite scary," respectively).

Following the getting-to-know-you, Camera Obscura's video for title track "Let's Get Out of This Country" (from Blair Young through the Forest of Black) seems appropriate. The band is presented in a natural state; they're playing in a living room, sprawled across couches with coffee mugs and cups. The mood of the clip is communicated largely through facial expressions rather than a complex plotline. And Camera Obscura do indeed make a move to leave the country, taking equipment-packed rowboats out on a lake with them. Their destination is unknown to the viewer, but despite some drizzly weather, the band seems happy enough just to be going somewhere.

"Let's Get Out of This Country":

Camera Obscura have a couple of Spanish gigs lined up for next week, and a few Australian appearances set for March. A North American tour is in store for January and February, and a European one is slated for the spring.

Dates:

12-15 Mallorca, Spain - Theatre de Lloseta
12-16 Barcelona, Spain - Laboratori Musical de Les Basses
02-24 Melbourne, Australia - Laneway Festival
03-03 Brisbane, Australia - Laneway Festival
03-04 Sydney, Australia - Laneway Festival