Synopsis
An extension cord wanders through the cluttered apartment of a Neil Young-loving musician, searching for the electrical outlet that will complete its purpose. Along the way, it faces faster competitors, tempting but unsuitable connections, and the awkward spectacle of an apparent electrical orgy. A television projector offers more desirable alternatives, while the cord's own tangled construction becomes another obstacle. After overcoming its doubts and physical limitations, it finally reaches the right socket, with a rooftop appearance by bikini-clad women providing the closing visual joke.
Factoids & Trivia
- This is an unofficial fan video, released through Poolside's official YouTube channel on May 16, 2013. The band endorsed the clip strongly enough to give it an official platform.
- The video was created for "Next To You," a track from Poolside's debut album, *Pacific Standard Time*, released on July 9, 2012.
- Alexander Familian handled the writing, production, editing and visual effects, with Ben Kim serving as producer. The project also involved cinematographer and colorist Casey Stein, production designer Tiffany Johnson, and sound designer Dennis Hu.
- The animation team consisted of Aarica North, Bek Ward and Alexander Frasse, giving the live-action material an exaggerated, surreal character.
- Stephanie Wang and Layla Benitez are credited as the "Girls on the Roof," whose brief appearance supplies the video's deliberately cheeky final payoff.
- The clip turns an ordinary household object into a sympathetic lead character, treating the search for an outlet like a romantic quest and translating the song's simple longing into an absurd electrical metaphor.
- "Next To You" is part of Poolside's early "daytime disco" period, a style associated with the duo's relaxed blend of disco, funk, electronic pop and West Coast atmosphere.