Milwaukee made music videos have come a long way in recent years. Whether they depict a backwards-headed dude in briefs exploring a farm, a three-eye rapper nestled in the clouds, or a mannequin providing saxophone accompaniment, virtually anything is in the realm of visual possibility for artists. Still, when it comes to music videos, there’s no greater honor that can be bestowed to a Milwaukee band than the vaunted Cream City Soundcheck. Despite being made by UW-Milwaukee students, the professional quality productions expertly intertwine live performances, band commentary, and stunning imagery of local landmarks that are both distinct and significant.
Then latest video valentine to Milwaukee and its burgeoning music scene features The Vitrolum Republic. The near-nine-minute production follows the zydeco-influenced folk quartet to Stag Barbershop in Bay View, where the band gets pampered with haircuts and beard trimming. From there, they cover their new do’s in fine handmade hats from nearby haberdasher The Brass Rooster and take in a hat-making demonstration. Between the Bay View primping and in-store busking, live footage from a Hotel Foster gig is spliced in as well.
You can see The Vitrolum Republic in the flesh (and probably not hats) at Denim Park on August 13.