Modest Mouse’s Isaac Brock and local band Sun Atoms have collaborated on a new single called “Narco Polo.” The video premiered on Sun Atoms and Modest Mouse’s Instagram page on Friday, October 25, and received 53,000 views in the first 20 hours, according to Sun Atoms vocalist Jaythan Adams. It is said that it was recorded.
It’s a six-minute surreal, psychedelic fever dream starring Bullock as a singing, manipulative wizard and Adams as his mischievous assistant. Block shot the components at Modesto Mouse’s Ice Cream Party Studio in Southeast Portland. (There’s a nod to the band’s Ice Cream Party platform in the video, in which the characters overeat each other with sundaes in a funny and sinister way.)
The video for “Narco Polo” was shot over two days in September at a home in the southeastern Woodstock area with friends of the band. Those watching nearby may notice Willamette Week’s cameo at about the one-minute mark, when someone reads two copies of the September 18th music page.
“We were trying to create a fever dream, like a David Lynch meets Fellini movie,” Adams says.
Sun Atoms has been formed since 2021. The band’s bassist is Peter G. Holmstrom, who also played guitar for the Dandy Warhols and has known Block for about 10 years. Sun Atoms opened for Modest Mouse and performed with Dinosaur Jr. at Revolution Hall earlier this year.
“‘Narco Polo’ is more than just a music video, it’s a labor of love and a true embodiment of our artistic spirit. We’re so grateful to this amazing crew and excited about what’s next. “Video director Brady Tucson said in a statement.
Sun Atoms’ new eight-track LP, Everything Forever, will be released on November 8th on Portland label Little Cloud Records and includes the single “Narco Polo.” The record release show will be held on Saturday, November 9th at the Show Bar at Revolution Hall.