Synopsis

Filmed against the rugged coastline of El Matador Beach near Los Angeles, the video places Catherine Pockson of Alpines at the center of a windswept, atmospheric portrait. She performs among rock formations, sea spray, and open coastal landscapes while rapid cuts, mirrored images, layered exposures, and bright flashes intensify the song's surging energy. Rather than following a conventional narrative, the video relies on physical surroundings and stylized editing to create a feeling of emotional overwhelm that echoes the track's "tidal wave" imagery.

Factoids & Trivia

• The video premiered on YouTube on October 10, 2012, several weeks before the single's UK release on November 4, 2012.

• Its main location was El Matador Beach in Malibu, California, whose distinctive rock formations closely resemble the imagery used for the single's artwork.

• Although Alpines were a duo consisting of Catherine Pockson and Bob Matthews, only Pockson appears in the video. Her prominent presence led at least one contemporary review to point out that the clip gives an incomplete impression of the group.

• The editing uses repeated short shots, mirrored compositions, and multiple images layered within the frame. These effects become increasingly prominent as the track builds toward its heavier sections.

• Running for approximately three minutes and 52 seconds, the clip helped establish "Tidal Wave" as one of the most visually recognizable tracks from Sub Focus' *Torus* era.

• The single reached No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 4 on the UK Dance Chart, giving Sub Focus one of his biggest commercial successes at the time.