Here’s a pretty amazing video from Toxic Moxie, the up-and-coming RVA punk/funk band (think Gang Of Four, not Red Hot Chili Peppers) that we told you about a few weeks ago. The video is for “Talking Hands,” the first track from their recently released debut EP, Episode IV, and the band has really gone the extra mile to create a memorable and entertaining visual accompaniment to their song.
Here’s a pretty amazing video from Toxic Moxie, the up-and-coming RVA punk/funk band (think Gang Of Four, not Red Hot Chili Peppers) that we told you about a few weeks ago. The video is for “Talking Hands,” the first track from their recently released debut EP, Episode IV, and the band has really gone the extra mile to create a memorable and entertaining visual accompaniment to their song. Teaming up with director Joseph Weindl, Toxic Moxie have turned “Talking Hands” into the soundtrack to a gory yet hilarious zombie film that wouldn’t be out of place as a Troma release.
The video begins with bassist Mitch Kordella using a serum to reanimate singer Sera Stavroula, in what at first appears to be a Bride Of Frankenstein-style storyline. However, everything goes wrong in a big hurry, as Sera comes back a flesh-craving zombie. She devours Mitch and escapes from his apartment. Then the real fun begins, as she and the now-zombified Mitch crisscross the city, turning all of RVA into flesh-craving demons. Guitarist Justin Shear and drummer Danny Crawford soon fall victim, and before long the entire band has united to further the zombie apocalypse. The members of the band, and their many additional cast members, do a great job of playing the whole thing totally deadpan, but there are some amazingly hilarious moments in the video–Sera popping out of a trash can, Mitch disguising himself as a lamp in the living room of some unsuspecting victim’s apartment, the entire band riding bikes down a Fan avenue while covered in blood… there’s so much awesome happening in this video, I can’t possibly list it all. I don’t want to give too much away, but there’s a pretty great “Thriller” homage at the end, too. You have got to watch this video.
And don’t miss out on Toxic Moxie’s great new EP, either. Episode IV is full of catchy tunes that show the band’s dynamic range and varied influences. While funk-influenced postpunk is clearly the baseline here, and fans of Gang Of Four, The Rapture, and Moving Units will find plenty to love throughout the EP, the group’s ability to mix everything from R&B to electronic dance music and funky percussion breakdowns together into a driving, memorable sound really sets them apart. And of course, Sera Stavroula’s voice is incredible–her powerful vocal tones take everything to the next level. As outstanding as “Talking Hands” is, it’s only the beginning for this excellent new group. See what they’re all about tomorrow night at Cary Street Cafe, where they’ll be playing a last-minute free show with RVA alt-country rockers The Northerners. Doors open at 8 PM–for more info, click here: https://www.facebook.com/events/433967333382481/
By Andrew Necci
