Lorde co-directed the video with Jeol Kefali, pairing the song’s billowing, subtle grooves with some pristine seaside scenes. While much of the clip comprises shots of Lorde and a young man enjoying a quiet day together, the video ends with the musician taking on a kind of messianic role as she stands before a quiet crowd, walks out to a small boat, and begins to row away from the shore.
“Few artists strike gold on every record they create but, for the third time in a row, Lorde has done it again, crafting yet another world-beater.”
“Been looking at pics from the last tour,” the musician adds, “and I cannot fucking wait to get back out in front of you this year, in all these beautiful venues, bring you this amazing show we’re building. Jesus, I’ve missed it. It’s time.” (Dazed)
Lorde previously announced a world tour for Solar Power, beginning in 2022, alongside news of her third studio album back in June.
Lorde has shared a new music video for the Solar Power track “Leader of a New Regime”, just in time for the summer solstice in New Zealand (where she has returned home after spending months promoting the album in the US).
The visuals find her back by the water, following the seaside theme in her recent music videos for Solar Power’s title track and “Fallen Fruit”. Both of these videos – as well as her Midsommar-esque “Mood Ring” – were directed in collaboration with Joel Kefali, who returns for “Leader of a New Regime”.
“Solstices should always have offerings,” Lorde writes in a newsletter accompanying the new release. “So for you, here’s the ‘Leader of a New Regime’ video. Just a couple of bites, a feeling, a perfect midpoint in the Solar Power journey. I hope you like it.”
