Synopsis
In a stark, post-apocalyptic landscape, the three members of Miike Snow awaken in the middle of a deserted street, looking more like displaced survivors than pop musicians. They move through the surrounding woods alongside other wandering figures, including groups carrying torches. The journey builds toward a ritual-like gathering, where the crowd sets fire to a huge wooden jackalope. The video's slow, atmospheric imagery and unexplained symbolism give "Silvia" the feel of a strange folk tale unfolding after the end of civilization.
Factoids & Trivia
- The video premiered in December 2009, ahead of "Silvia"'s release as the third and final single from Miike Snow's self-titled debut album.
- Its post-apocalyptic setting was an early example of the band's preference for surreal, cinematic music videos that leave the storyline open to interpretation.
- The burning wooden jackalope connects the video to Miike Snow's visual identity. The mythical animal was already used as the band's logo and later appeared as a recurring motif in their artwork and live presentation.
- "Silvia" has a personal background even though the video does not illustrate it directly. Andrew Wyatt described the song as one of the most autobiographical tracks on the album, inspired by a relationship with a woman who later became a stripper and eventually left that life.
- The song's title also appealed to the Swedish members of Miike Snow because it is the name of Sweden's queen, Silvia.
- The track was issued through a remix-focused release, with versions by Hugg & Pepp, Emalkay, Felix da Housecat, Sinden, and Robotberget. Robotberget was an alias used by band members Christian Karlsson and Pontus Winnberg.