A gorgeously-shot video for The XX’s Chained – second single from the new album Coexist – by super-talented young director Young Replicant, sees the band surprisingly reconfigured in action mode, but still maintaining their aura of mystique. Romy Madley Croft sinks into watery depths, then bandmate Oliver Sim leaps in to go to her aid, followed by Jamie Smith.

The video for Chained was based around Madley Croft’s own concept – and Young Replicant brings it to fruition with characteristic visual flair. It was shot in the stunning Jubilee Lido in Penzance, and in an underwater pool in Basildon, and the video – presented by The Creators Project, is also the director’s first since recently signing to Pulse Films.

Young Replicant is Canadian-born, Los Angeles-raised director Alex Takacs, who working alongside creative partner and producer Joe Nankin, has directed videos for an increasingly impressive array of indie artists. His videos for Bath’s Lovely Bloodflow and Hooray for Earth’s True Loves have premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival, SXSW and other showcases around the world, and he has also directed promos for critically revered M83 to blog-beloved newcomers Baths and Purity Ring.

The XX
Chained (XL)
Director: Young Replicant
Creative Producer: Joe Nankin
Exec Producer: Laura Tunstall
Prod Co: Pulse Films
Producer: Rachel Rumbold
Production Manager: Tamara Harel-Cohen
DoP: Steve Annis
1st Ad: Stephanie Zari
Phantom Op: Stephen Price
Underwater Cameraman: Hugh Fairs
Hair / Make Up Artist: Candy Alderson
Grade: Ben Rogers @ Glassworks
SFX: Gary Brown @ Munky
Commissioner: Phil Lee
Watch: The Creators Project