With the release of their latest music video for “What They Gave Me,” HVOB deepens their exploration of themes from their ongoing artistic cycle, THE SILVER CAGE. Directed by Danish filmmaker Vasco Alexandre in Copenhagen, the video features a striking overhead shot of Danish actress Malaika Berenth Mosendane, who is confined within a rectangular frame.
While others move freely, she struggles to escape, her growing frustration personifying the universal battle against invisible constraints. Through introspection, she seeks liberation by connecting with herself and confronting her own limitations, reflecting on the high cost of comfort in exchange for freedom.
“This video is deeply personal to us,” says Anna Müller of HVOB. “It reflects the pressures we all face, both from within and from society. The cage is not just physical; it’s also the invisible constraints that come from our digital lives and the societal expectations imposed on our bodies and identities.”
THE SILVER CAGE probes societal pressures on identity and body image, with the video’s minimalist aesthetic emphasizing the external limitations imposed by society. Furthermore, the “cage” metaphor extends into the digital realm, capturing the isolation fostered by our reliance on smartphones and social media. In this way, the music video for “What They Gave Me” becomes a poignant commentary on the complexities of the modern human experience.
“For us, THE SILVER CAGE is about questioning these dynamics,” Anna explains. “The digital world can be both a comfort and a trap, where individuality clashes with societal expectations. But the “cage” is not limited to the virtual world but represents a more universal state of confinement. Malaika’s struggle within the frame parallels the internal and external battles we face in seeking autonomy and belonging.“
The collaboration with Vasco Alexandre was crucial. “The video was a true joint effort,” Paul emphasizes. “We worked closely with Vasco to develop the concept, ensuring the visual storytelling aligned with THE SILVER CAGE’s themes.”
HVOB will embark on a world tour with THE SILVER CAGE in the fall of 2025.
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What They Gave Me is out now: https://tragen.lnk.to/whattheygaveme
