Check Out MJ Lenderman as a Struggling Truck Driver in Exciting New Video for “Wristwatch”
MJ Lenderman Launches Hilarious New Music Video for "Wristwatch," Directed by Lance Bangs
In a delightful mashup of humor and rock ‘n’ roll authenticity, MJ Lenderman has rolled out a new music video for his infectious single “Wristwatch,” a standout from his critically acclaimed album Manning Fireworks. The clip, directed by the iconic Lance Bangs, features Lenderman powerfully embodying the spirit of “persisting without progress” as he navigates his way through a series of laugh-out-loud predicaments beneath low overpasses in a gloriously overloaded pickup truck.
The video, which thrives on the absurdity of its premise, showcases Lenderman, backed by his band, the Wind, attempting to clear various low-hanging bridges while overflowing with an assortment of unexpected cargo: think basketballs, garish pool floats, and an aesthetic that screams good times and bad planning. It’s a visual feast that captures the essence of Lenderman’s knack for intertwining humor and relatable introspection.
“Lenderman’s songwriting often reflects characters caught in cycles of frustration,” Bangs explains. “With ‘Wristwatch,’ I was drawn to the imagery of misalignment—specifically with these low-clearance bridges I had encountered during my travels in North Carolina. They represent this ongoing struggle, much like the sentiments in MJ’s writing.”
Bangs, known for his unique and multifaceted storytelling approach, meticulously designed the video to echo the very real challenges of navigating life’s absurdities. His references to the infamous low-clearance bridge known as “The Canopener” in Durham, featured on the viral website 11foot8.com (which has documented over 186 bridge-related mishaps since 2008), serves as a conceptual backbone of the project. Bangs has expressed that he intentionally orchestrated the video to add to that comedic tally, ensuring the ongoing legacy of low overpasses continues to amuse and bewilder.
Lenderman’s Manning Fireworks, released to critical acclaim, showcases a burgeoning artist adept at melding catchy hooks with poignant guitar riffs and relatable narratives. The album resonates with listeners through its exploration of the mundane intricacies of life—an aesthetic that has kept fans coming back for more.
With the release of the “Wristwatch” video, Lenderman continues to carve out his space in the modern indie rock landscape, reminding us all that while we may stumble beneath life’s low bridges, laughter—much like good music—is the best remedy.
For an inside look at Lenderman’s creative emergence and the stories he aims to tell through his music, revisit Pitchfork’s profile: “Low-Key Indie Rocker MJ Lenderman Wants to Tell a Bigger Story.” In the meantime, stream the new video below and prepare to laugh—just maybe avoid the overpasses on your drive home.
