Optical illusions, impossible rooms and visual chaos turn Squeeze’s comeback video into a wonderfully inventive trip through the absurd.More
Squeeze’s Hourglass turns an ordinary performance video inside out, surrounding the band with optical illusions, impossible spaces, surreal sight gags, and a rapidly escalating sense that the normal rules no longer apply. This commentary explores the video’s inventive practical effects and visual trickery, from forced perspective and compositing to mirrors, oversized props, and band members appearing where they seemingly shouldn’t. It follows Jools Holland through a series of increasingly absurd encounters while Glenn Tilbrook and the rest of the band gradually master—or simply surrender to—the strange world around them. The discussion also examines the song itself, including its rapid-fire chorus, polished production, unusual saxophone touches, and the renewed energy Squeeze brought to their post-hiatus comeback. Along the way, it shows how the video’s relentless stream of illusions complements a song that feels similarly restless and tightly wound, creating one of Squeeze’s funniest and most visually ambitious clips.
Coming This Week on Synth and Swagger:
Tuesday: Bands Masquerading as Other Bands
Wednesday: Halloween Song Commentaries (2 free, 6 vault)