Perfume Genius - "Describe" (Official Music Video)

From Perfume Genius' new album 'Set My Heart On Fire Immediately" released on May 15, 2020 on Matador Records. Stream new music and order the album here: perfumegenius....
Director: Mike Hadreas
Production Company: Ways & Means
Executive Producers: Lana Kim & Jett Steiger
Producer: Brian Miller
Director of Photography: Danny Hiele
Production Designer: Littleton Odom
Wardrobe Stylist: Elizabeth Warn
Hair & Makeup: Jenna Howell
Movement Direction: Studio Kate Wallich
Post Producer: Grant Keiner
Editor: Nathan Blackmon
Color: Carbon, Aubrey Woodiwiss
Choreography/Performance:
David Harvey , Lavinia Vago , Alan Wyffels , Laura Carella , Thomas House , Shauna Davis , Kate Wallich , Andrew Bartee , Jobel Medina , Genna Moroni
-
DESCRIBE
no bells anymore
just my stomach rumbling
can you describe them for me?
the lock on the door
is barely holding
can you just wait here with me?
his love it felt like ribbons
an echo in the canyon
can you just find him for me?
can you describe them for me?
can you just find him for me?
/ perfumegenius
/ perfumegeniusofficial
www.matadorreco...

[@fadesblue]

the contrast between the roaring guitars and the tender mumbled vocals is *chef’s kiss*

[@gabe4100]

that's shoegaze baybee

[@disectormusic]

Its also how most guitarists start.

[@cahillgreg]

Nobliss Kiely calling in on a Friday

[@Leeeooooooooooo]

😗👌

[@markstoke3499]

My favorite part of this song is that none of the sections start on the tonic, so it immediately makes you want to keep listening to hear a traditional resolution that never really happens but it sucks you into the song. I feel like everyone who likes this song is someone who wants what they can't have. Like me.

[@user-bh7iw4jz3w]

ما دگر از ما گذشته خودت عشق است

[@user-bh7iw4jz3w]

من فقط تو این دنیا عشقم بدهید بروم پول همه چیز مال خودتان ن

[@tryharder75]

I just went through three videos on tonic and still can't figure out exactly what you mean. Agree with the second part.

[@livbatchelor4634]

@@tryharder75 I'm not entirely sure either, but I guess the only way I can describe it as a layperson is... a tonic being the 'logical' start or end to a recognisable section of a song, like verse/chorus etc? The kind of thing where you know it when you hear it, and also when you don't, like in this song. I read their comment and had never been more sure OR more confused ahaha

[@theotheoth]

@@livbatchelor4634 yea, similar lay-idea here: the tonic ... is like the first note of the key of the song -- e.g. the note of G if the song is in G (which I think this could be -- but I need to dust off the guitar and play the song, which i should probably have done before typing this, as it might have provided the lacking mini-satori that could make me all the clearer). I get a similar feeling with 'Your Body Changes Everything' (and other songs on the album): it just seems to mercilessly string you up and shows little intertest in ever letting you back down to touch earth. It's a little like all-night sex without climax. What's possibly most telling is OP Mr Stoke's lack of elucidation here: perhaps he wants more people to feel like he does, in that state of not getting what you want.

[@jorgealvarado93]

This might be some of the best music I've ever heard.

[@skog13]

Yea bro, until you hear their next tracks 🙃🤘

[@joshjacques1701]

It’s embarrassingly good (in that it’s embarrassing that we fools deserve this)

[@casestudy220]

sorry

[@tryharder75]

correct

[@waterwatereverywhere]

It's pretty near 2 purrrrfrkt

[@ianparknyc]

why is he so underrated. he deserves more fame.

[@claudiohenrique3101]

Yes, he doesn't get the attention he should. However, this does not put him underestimated. He is super acclaimed.

[@christopher2327]

I mean....hes doing a damn world tour with tame impala

[@bobullrich4795]

@@christopher2327 and that could be his breakthrough.

[@christopher2327]

@@bobullrich4795 one would have to have already brokenthrough to even be mentioned as a possibility for that slot, but yea..he might get even bigger

[@christopher2327]

@5,ooo LightYears Away he certainly deserves it

[@JustinEdwords]

heartbreak high brought me here great song

[@norahbrady6392]

this is how it feels to be gay and in love with all of your friends

[@VelvetDreams666]

Norah Brady lmao

[@arthur78]

Yes! Sadly I'm not in love with my friends anymore, but there were times in my past I very much was, and this video visualizes that feeling pretty well.

[@jaypeckay5898]

you are how it looks to be thick

[@thefaulkness]

Yeah it's great

[@denisebickford6355]

Oh holy sh*t, this is *exactly* how I feel lol

[@Michelis28]

This is so sonically expansive. It’s the kind of song you want to blast on loud speakers. Kudos to Mike and Blake Mills. I can’t wait to listen to the whole album

[@jesselaniak6039]

How is Blake Mills involved in this? Maybe I missed something

[@marekvojtko1846]

@@jesselaniak6039 He is PG's producer

[@dylant6522]

Mike Hadreas, thank you for your existence. Your music has saved me so many times and has inspired me so much. You are a beautiful person and I hope your star shines on for years to come.

[@cahillgreg]

Lovely sentiment Dylan - thanks for calling

[@AndreyBondarenko1979]

The scene with knives fight is precious

[@cahillgreg]

Let's not excuse wanton violence Bondarenko

[@b.andromeda]

This music video is literally genius. No pun intended. I’m literally obsessed, utterly and fully impressed, GENIUS

[@cahillgreg]

Pipe down Pinky

[@youthofyesterdayrecords]

I don't know how he managed to get footage of the barbeque I had last Saturday, but I dig the video.

[@jaydock1]

You know when something’s so good and real, anything you would say would ruin the moment? That’s how this feels

[@RYB0RB15]

Why comment then 🥴

[@jaydock1]

@@RYB0RB15 cause i never got the right kind of love from my mom growing up so i seek the validation of strangers

[@jaydock1]

This is a gorgeous song tho

[@cahillgreg]

@@jaydock1 Your mum tried, but despite her best efforts, you fell short - Stop your sobbing and step up Ogden

[@jaydock1]

@@cahillgreg bro u wouldnt let me just have my self burn 😭😂

[@MarlaJones83]

No bells anymore Just my stomach rumblin' Can you describe them for me? Can you describe them for me? The lock on the door Is barely holdin' Can you just wait here with me? Can you just wait here with me? Ooh, his love, it felt like ribbons Ooh, an echo in the canyon Ooh, his love, it felt like ribbons Ooh, an echo in the canyon Can you just find him for me? Can you describe them for me? Can you just find him for me? 🖤

[@leaftwigmatt]

The combination of song and video is really outstanding and I'd expect nothing less after being blown away by Queen and its video. I freakin love the entire concept and really can't say much more than "double dang." This is how you video music.

[@clarenceboddicker4023]

Back when Too Bright came out I think I heard Queen in a tv show or something so I looked up the song. When I got to hear the whole song and see the video I was an instant fan. The next day I went to a record store and asked them to order a copy of the album for me. I got to see Perfume Genius when the band toured for their last album and it's possibly the best show I've ever been to. If you get the chance to see Perfume Genius live, you absolutely must. Mike Hadreas is an incredible performer with a sort of unearthly stage presence and he's just very funny and charming when there's banter between songs. And the backing band is really good. A few days after I went to that show I thought to myself "This is probably what seeing David Bowie in 1973 was like.".

[@leaftwigmatt]

Clarence I found Queen from the show Mr Robot and am guessing you did too! The first season had some really stellar music and imagery. I would love to see them live!

[@stankosupreme3249]

Shoegays

[@1mercurypc1]

Brilliant!! Funniest thing I heard all week!

[@lisjvv]

was looking for a shoegaze comment

[@johnchapman5233]

Holy shit hahahahaha

[@qanishque]

GENIUS

[@spacegoosuperstar]

Amazing

[@nikitkau]

I can't put to words how influential Mike is; constant growth, abundance of reference. It's just beyond me.

[@Wcook09]

Just like Perfume Genius to turn a song on its head like that half way through. Wouldn't expect anything less.

[@jksinorbit]

I do enjoy how they incorporate art and modern dance into their videos...reminds me of Kate Bush in that way.

[@volpemarroneveloce5928]

My Bloody Perfume Genius

[@TheFantasyClinic]

I'm too distracted by how beautiful and full the song is to yet focus on any of the video...I immediately feel warm the second it starts, it's addictive.

[@theodore738]

The Fantasy Clinic like heroin

[@MrTigerSanchez]

100 A perfect song

[@cahillgreg]

can we just calm down - thank you

[@Skinniest_Kween]

Now THIS is a cult I can get behind.

[@cahillgreg]

Just stick with the sacred heart and behave.

[@suzylux]

no one's mentioning how fucking GORGEOUS this track is.....(it's fucking gorgeous)

[@WhiteSmoke019]

So beautiful. Absolutely love colours in every scene. Feels as if you fell asleep in the evening late summer looking at some trees and saw this hazy dream. Or mushrooms I guess lol.

[@yuvalgeva6242]

where can i join the perfume genius ranch?

[@jinagibson6818]

Just say no. Cheap knockoffs rarely knock.

[@VelvetDreams666]

Jina Gibson stfu

[@zakawadh8517]

Same

[@literaticrux8292]

You have to drink the Weyes Blood wine to enter

[@zombiekore]

Please let me know when you find out ❤️

[@imadeyouamixtape8614]

When cottagecore eats the shrooms instead of just decorating with them 🖤

[@cahillgreg]

you're a caution

[@MainDeJustice]

It's delicious how well the harsh electric guitar sound and his soft voice complement each other, that contrast,mmmmm, I live for it.

[@Pmorse21]

Thank you again mike, for yet another pillow of grace for me to rest upon... my moms dying of cancer, prob a few days left.. driving out to city of hope to meet w her doctors to basically learn we've done what we can, and it's beyond us, I played describe for the first time, and it was the solace, the triumph, and the hope I needed. I take it as a song about death, or waiting to die, and/or just arriving on the other side, at least that's what I needed it to be about... the lock.. barely holding... his love felt like ribbons, echo in the canyon... anyways, thank you mike, thank you for making music that's brave and unbelievably gorgeous, it's helped fill and nourish areas of profound absence for me.. namaste.

[@calg0re]

Man, I’m really sorry to hear that.

[@Pmorse21]

Thank you... you had no need to pause and offer a moment of empathy and kindness to a stranger. What a beautiful instinct acted upon. .. message received, felt, and honored with gratitude. Also... and this is always the best part of acting on instinct and not conditioning... the side surprises... as it's almost a tie between the simple generosity of your comment, and the f**king robust chuckle I get from your screenname... so hugs on the former and hi-five on the latter... @@calg0re

[@oreochocolate_lavacake9960]

I now also interpret it as a song as death as my teacher passed away and it feels like the world has ended and he loved rock and this song so this song bring me comfort also I'm sorry about your mother losing someone you love absolutely sucks even physically it makes me feel sick

[@Pmorse21]

@@oreochocolate_lavacake9960 cheers! much appreciated,

[@vilkku4606]

the vibes are immaculate

[@sammy2nd]

Incredible video. One thing that stood out to me was the person trying to whisper a secret to their mirror image. Amazing

[@kaiga9341]

that was interesting. It didn't have a huge moment like I was expecting or like his other lead singles, but the ending was somewhat angelic.

[@david16e]

This is some of the best rock in the last few years. Well done

[@youdbettertube]

I almost don't want to listen to this because it's just gonna get me too hungry for the full album.

[@snooopert1048]

I can confirm your fear. It's eating me alive.

[@abdurrazzaq2314]

it's here!

[@youdbettertube]

@@abdurrazzaq2314 yes and it's so amazing

[@AcromegalySufferer]

a profound STANNING has entered the chat

[@Rubberfooted]

This song is pure genius in the most subtle ways

[@Edo88Italy]

The second, instrumental, half is pure Vangelis and I LOVE IT!

[@picturepicture6990]

My wig burst into flames and the ash settled at my feet like tealeaves at the bottom of a teacup. They painted the face of the man I loved and lost on the empty dirt road I stand on. The last beams of sunlight fading on the horizon before a long, long night.

[@Gabriel-ud5hu]

Ok now i wanna see a full film directed by Mike

[@zektes]

Perfume Genius is the cottage core lesbian none of us saw coming, but we needed.

[@Mark-zq1tj]

What a sad song, great vibe, original sound, love it. 👌

[@sethmishne]

song is called describe and they have a album called set my heart on fire immediately coming out on may 15th.

[@andre-cmyk]

is perfume genius non binary?

[@KeyboardAttacker]

@@andre-cmyk perfume genius is Mike and his boyfriend, and maybe even a band I think

[@idk____wbu8831]

Aleatoire i think “perfume genius” is mike but the band is part of the creative process and touring

[@Wcook09]

Wow, thanks for telling me what the song is called.

[@F--B]

May is not quite immediate enough

[@comsatteur6893]

this looks like an a24 film

[@lobsterrock4570]

sitting here in a restaurant with a cross of ash on my forehead, this feels perfect.

[@aimeeblair6139]

Sparkle Horse, Smashing Pumpkins….but has its own brilliant and unique sound. Love it. Love it. Love it. ❤

[@gillianmoses8883]

we’re eating so good

[@charlesloche1534]

EVERY * SINGLE * SECOND * OF * THIS

[@majesticmose5390]

Heard it on heartbreak high on Netflix

[@oreochocolate_lavacake9960]

Same here such a melancholy song

[@ingridtoohey7811]

I am so here for this Enya-Grunge-Core moment

[@VoiceOverTrailReviews]

The transcendent experience I had watching this was totally worth all the work you put into it. Please keep making your beautiful art.

[@evanbahls7970]

The last half of this is what you hear when your soul is leaving your body and your life is flashing before your eyes.

[@radcolortiedye6718]

*lyrics No bells anymore Just my stomach rumbling Can you describe them for me? Can you describe them for me? The lock on the door Is barely holding Can you just wait here with me? Can you just wait here with me? His love it felt like ribbons(?)river(?) An echo in the canyon Can you just find him for me? Can you describe them for me? Can you just find him for me?

[@jonathanleblanc2140]

I kinda want it to be ribbons, that’s just prettier

[@dontforget3oct10]

I feel like it might be "rebirth" too

[@johnconner445]

This song gives me goosebumps every time I listen to it.

[@laurabutcher3224]

it's a brilliant song in every way ... since I fell in love with Queen I've been waiting for this. It finally arrived and I am very happy with what I heard.

[@dominicaaaaa5547]

One of my all time favourite songs now this one just think it's REALLY GREAT

[@SpiderHacksaw]

Genius is rarely appreciated by the masses. And if it ever is. It is usually later. After they are gone. Because most genius is before its time. And Mike is and has, from day one, been ahead of his time. Genius is appreciated by those of us who are also, outside of our time. Perhaps even outside of all time. Genius resides within, and is birthed from, the eternal. It is timeless. It is not of the mind. But is beyond the mind. What is Real. Is to be witnessed at and from the depths of our true selves. More than flesh and thought. Words can merely point. Mike is pointing from and toward what is beyond mind and flesh. And our love recognizes itself. As love.

[@SweetNiblets06]

I can’t help but listen to this over & over again!! It’s that good of a song!! A song you won’t tire of!! A song that doesn’t need to remixed!! I LOVE it!!

[@decrepitgirl]

His music is life.

[@allys86nz]

Heartbreak High bought me here. 😍

[@EenMagnetron]

I love this new direction! Was kinda afraid Mike wouldnt be able to top No Shape, but here he is proving me wrong already. Fucking love the use of the heavy guitar

[@bellabblossom]

Describe / La Vita Nuova / Omowi in a same week. What a moment to be alive.

[@kelsok.4126]

This song was kerosene in my veins... it didn’t take immediately, but once the spark came, instant fire. ❤️❤️❤️

[@ralphalps]

Set my heart on fire immediately will be the my summer album

[@Shayor100]

One of my favourite records of this year

[@pallenk]

This is visually what it is like to live inside my gay, adhd riddled, bipolar, slightly obsessive compulsive, dirty yet beautiful mind. Fuck yes!

[@fun3nel2]

This gave me chills in the best way

[@indiependancer]

Is like a strange old Levi's commercial

[@claudionorrudnick4060]

His new work is so profound.

[@bgfd1]

Stunning and so moving at the end.

[@spiraljoe1273]

Omg I love it!!! Never heard of this guy/band before. Cool fresh sound.

[@GardoMcM]

when I was a boy, I had dreams very alike the last part of this video, In where I was in my house and then I walked on a path into a forest there used to be where I lived. The ambient lights were like in this video, some kind of dim, glooming lights from the sun... a bliss, a magical feeling, like floating. A dream, after all. That's why when I saw this video for the first time, was like a shock for me, it moved my inner core, my heart. Thanks.

[@Onlyeatdacrust]

The video and music work perfectly. Such beautiful art. I'm totally in love

[@claudiohenrique3101]

Nem ouvi, mas já sei que é perfeição.

[@theyluvarwn]

This is absolutely amazing. It’s the meaning of the song and how the video just describes and shows the song what it really means and this is just beyond outstanding.

[@guillenava9249]

Awesome song, awesome video, great soundscapes....

[@miroslawczajka3577]

You're not afraid experimenting with music, are you? Can't wait the new album!

[@yellowbird2157]

Dreamy sound. Loving every second

[@miseentrope]

With love we embrace distortion. Or vice versa. Exquisite homage to Tom Tykwer's film Perfume (2006) and the source novel by Suskind. Ballare! Bravissimo!

[@thalia7001]

Absolutely genius...... Just genius....

[@robertdegraw3551]

Absolutely Brilliant!

[@Mark-zq1tj]

"It's better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all"

[@krabbesaus82]

That guitar sound. Cant wait for the new album

[@soaribb32]

Love this crunchy and fuzzy guitar.

[@michaelwilkinson7638]

One of fav bands, so original and inspiring...true art.

[@pepitobenegas]

No matter what year this song is awesome!

[@scherryvalentine9673]

Looks like an 80’s Calvin Klein ad. This song is worthy of more.

[@waterwatereverywhere]

I Luv how his cosen names speak ahead of him.its like he gently holds reigns onthe Archetypes

[@pamela8329]

Many thanks for this beautiful song! Top shelf arrangement, instruments, musicians;

[@andreluissoriano]

I love this so much. That’s all I can say.

ok well alan is just writhing around all tied up ok ok

[@mzks200]

THIS IS AWESOME I LOVE YOU MIKE OH MY GOD IM SO HAPPY

[@claudiohenrique3101]

It's so perfect! Each scene with truly feels. This album promises. ❤️

[@aylanasilva9269]

É isso que eu chamo de arte

[@ealing456]

Sort of sounds like another song that I can't quite place? Brilliant either way.

[@anahid24]

I like their little line dance.

[@noelhutz]

blake mills killing it as usual

[@Sodamachine36]

So unbelievably talented, an absolute musical genius!! I can’t wait

[@ivakaragyozova1785]

Me and my existential crisis appreciate that 🤍

[@bunderify]

this is...I cannot properly describe how much I adore this

[@RafaEl-oq9ok]

Is crazy how I feel like just going pass in a holle new era! With Mike's music. I lo ve him. Love PG!!!!

[@imani828]

take a moment to really appreciate this master piece

[@KevinYang.]

You did it my friend. praise and appreciation for him