Melbourne’s self-proclaimed “emotion punk” band Two Steps on the Water will release their second album, Sword Songs, independently on September 29 (pre-order). We’re premiering the video for “Hold Me,” directed by Geoffrey O’Connor (who also produced the new album). Here’s some background on the song and video, from the band:
Fronted by June Jones, Two Steps on the Water make raw and honest music, centered on themes of her experience as a trans woman with a history of mental illness. “Hold Me” is the second single from Sword Songs and the first the band has ever recorded without a guitar part.
The video for “Hold Me” was filmed in two parts, the first half three weeks before singer June Jones flew to Argentina for a part of procedures that are part of a suite of surgeries known as facial feminisation surgery. The second half was filmed 6 weeks later. The transformation at once subtle and life-affirming.
The song’s minimal pop and June’s intense vocal performance have some echoes of Majical Cloudz, so fans of that band should take note. Watch the very powerful video below.