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Real Lies

Though not as well-known as mainstream artists, electronic band Real Lies certainly made waves in their unique genre of music. Their cinematic approach to music, combining groove-infused electronic rhythms with a narrative storytelling style, has often drawn comparisons with Pet Shop Boys and New Order. However, one of the most interesting things about Real Lies is their tendency to break traditional music video norms. For them, music videos are not just an accessory to a song, but a vital part of their creative expression.

Their video for "North Circular," a haunting ode to London's nocturnal pulse, is an excellent example. Directed by Joe Alexander, the video doesn't feature the band at all. Instead, it's a montage of late-night London scenes: A taxi driver nods off at the wheel, youths loiter outside a 24-hour off-license, and a cashier empties a slot machine in the back of a quiet corner shop. Each scene is tinged with a nostalgic melancholy that perfectly complements the moody synth of the track.

The video for "Dab Housing," meanwhile, is a clever reversal of conventions. Rather than depicting the hedonistic highs and devastating comedowns often associated with electronic music, the video reflects the ennui and routine of everyday life - a neatly turned facade that satirically implies that Real Lies might be the Ministry of Sound's answer to Radiohead. The band's frontman, Kev Kharas, is droll enough to pull it off. Apparently, Kharas became the band's vocalist only because he lost a coin toss, yet another delightful quirk in the band's story.

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