Let’s just go ahead and say it – the Shivas are Portland’s pride and joy. The trio, who first started at the pinnacle of their youth way back in 2006, have put hard work and a high level of talent to good use in the last decade. Backed by both K Records and Burger Records, the Shivas have four full lengths under their belt, a series of single releases and are actually returning back to PDX today from a two month long European tour in support of their latest release, February’s Better Off Dead. As a welcome home gift to us all, the Deli Portland has the pleasure of premiering the video for the album’s title track.
Better Off Dead itself shows a more mellow output from the Shivas with a heavier use of country western elements. As a track "Better Off Dead" showcases this well in its simplicity. The harmonic pairing of guitarist Jared Molyneux and drummer Kristin Leonard are the focal point of the song, with a light riff as the basis.
The video matches the track in its minimalistic beauty. Shot in black and white, it features Molyneux trudging around an industrial area alone. It’s reminiscent of old school French noir art films and couldn’t be a better fit aesthetically with the pace of the song.
It seems the Shivas will be taking some weeks off before they perform again, with their next show scheduled for September 11 at Mississippi Studios with L.A.’s Death Valley Girls. Until then, get your fix of the trio by watching the new video for "Better Off Dead" below.