Synopsis

In a shadowy warehouse, a rollerblading performer glides through the darkness, lip-syncing to Kwes' wistful invitation to "come rollerblade with me." Kwes appears in the same strange environment, where the playful movement gradually takes on a threatening edge. The skater's graceful routine becomes an unsettling encounter, ending with Kwes being disconnected from the scene before the video turns toward an eerie revenge. The clip treats the song's romantic nostalgia as something beautiful, absurd and faintly menacing.

Factoids & Trivia

• The video stars rollerblading champion Juan Tocino, whose controlled skating supplies most of the clip's movement and visual identity.

• The production was made by Wanda for Warp Records. The listed crew includes director of photography Doug Walshe, editor Gaia Borretti, colorist Luke Morrison at The Mill and visual-effects artist Brad Wood.

• "Rollerblades" first appeared as a single in 2012 and was later included on Kwes' debut album, "ilp.", released by Warp in October 2013. The official video arrived online in January 2014.

• Contemporary coverage emphasized how difficult the video's plot was to summarize without spoiling its abrupt turn. Dazed included it among its music videos of the month, highlighting the contrast between the song's tender tone and the clip's darker outcome.