Stereophonics 'Bust This Town' by Kes Glozier

Northwestern folklore and criminal romance collide in this cryptic and seductive video by Kes Glozier.

“They say an ancient law still exists whereby you can kill a Welshman. But it has to be within the walls of Chester, after midnight, with a crossbow. I think.” What an intriguing introduction. Bust This Town was inspired by a real medieval by-law - the product of frosty cross-border relations between the Welsh and English. There is no record that this law was ever repealed. The video follows two lovers on the run, who build a love nest in a derelict manor house. Making oblique references to the Chester by-law, Glozier creates a tense, fatalistic atmosphere around the romance, skilfully stretching this historical detail into an analogy for disharmony in a relationship.

Glozier plays a similar game here as in his fantastic video for Lad by Hak Baker. In this tense piece of realism, the director took an approach comparable to Lynne Ramsay's films, teasing inevitable violence with tiny gestures and character details.

The video also has the remarkable distinction of being photographed by Seamus McGarvey, BSC. The acclaimed DoP is a go-to for tragedy. Having shot We Need to Talk About Kevin (Lynne Ramsay), Atonement and Anna Karenina (Joe Wright), McGarvey is a master communicator of volatile atmospheres and dangerous temperaments.

“It’s my own version of Bonnie and Clyde," says Glozier. "A story of love and madness, inspired by my own personal love and madness.”