OK Go has matured – The Globe and Mail

Since the release of their single-take video for “Here it Goes Again” in 2006, OK Go has gained acclaim for their inventive and mind-bending music videos, showcasing anything from treadmills to zero gravity, drones, and even a Rube Goldberg machine. However, with the release of their first album in over a decade, “And the Adjacent Possible,” the band reveals a more nuanced and introspective side.

The lead single from the album, “A Stone Only Rolls Downhill,” not only serves as a captivating music video but also delves into themes of despair and cynicism rarely associated with the upbeat pop-rock quartet. The lyrics, opening with the line “I wish that I could say it would all be all right,” reflect a deeper emotional resonance, hidden beneath the lively melody.

In a recent interview, OK Go frontman Damian Kulash discusses the emotional complexity of parenting, especially as a father to young children. Feeling torn between shielding his kids from the harsh realities of the world and being honest with them, Kulash expresses a sense of living in a split screen, trying to strike a balance between honesty and hope.

This internal struggle becomes the creative inspiration behind the band’s latest music video, which, despite its vibrant colors and intricate choreography, subtly hints at a darker undercurrent. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, even lauded the video for its iPhone-driven creation, showcasing the band’s ability to blend lyrical depth with visual artistry.

As OK Go ventures into middle age, their new album reflects a maturity and introspection that sets them apart from their youthful viral videos. Songs like “Impulse Purchase” and “Love” touch on themes of introspection, fatherhood, and the societal pressures of the digital age.

The band’s new record is full of surprises, refusing to adhere to expectations and aiming to keep listeners on their toes. This element of surprise has always been a driving force for OK Go, as they continue to push boundaries and challenge the conventional norms of music and art.

Despite the band’s evolution and growth, one constant remains: Damian Kulash’s inability to provide neat soundbites about his music. His discursive interviews often explore topics ranging from philosophy to science and the nature of meaning, mirroring the band’s eclectic and innovative approach to music.

With a title inspired by biologist Stuart Kauffman’s theories on innovation and progress, “And the Adjacent Possible” captures OK Go’s commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring the unknown. As Kulash reflects on the album’s creation, he emphasizes the importance of discovery and freshness in the creative process, highlighting the band’s ongoing quest for artistic evolution.

For OK Go, music videos aren’t just promotional tools but essential expressions of their creative vision. From the low-budget charm of “WTF?” to the intricate visual storytelling of their more elaborate videos, each project reflects the band’s dedication to challenging and inspiring audiences in new and unexpected ways.