FOALS - Like Lightning

What this video is

Released on 22 November 2019, Like Lightning arrived at the apex of global youth climate activism — weeks after Extinction Rebellion disruptions and amid the Fridays for Future movement. Foals had already declared their environmental stance at the Mercury Prize ceremony. Premiering on the Music Declares Emergency platform rather than a traditional media outlet was itself a political act, situating the video within…

Why it matters

Marks a pivotal moment in indie rock's engagement with animation as political medium. While animated music videos had long existed, Like Lightning exemplifies a 2019 micro-trend of bands commissioning auteur illustrators — rather than live-action directors — to deliver sociopolitical messaging.…

The director

French illustrator and director based in Paris. Spent multiple years as a character designer and art director in the animation industry, contributing to internationally recognized TV series including The Amazing World of Gumball (Cartoon Network) and F Is…