Jim Jarmusch Watches the Thrones on ‘Etimasia’ – Premiere
As in his movies, Jim Jarmusch leaves a lot of room for audience interpretation on “Etimasia.” The track, which is off last year’s The Mystery of Heaven LP, finds Jarmusch again teaming up with classical lutenist Jozef Van Wissem. On the instrumental song, Van Wissem plays sparse progressions, letting each note hang, while Jarmusch fills in the background with no-wave guitar squeals and feedback.
Video: Jim Jarmusch on ATP and Crystal Meth
Jarmusch has stated that he sees his contribution as supporting Van Wissem in the foreground. Jarmusch said in a statement, “The sound of the lute is as bright as the sun, a beautiful red color, and my stuff sounds sort of like the moon, more blue, like mercury.”
The video, which was directed by Jacqueline Castel, mirrors the track’s duality. Jarmusch and Van Wissem stand on what looks to be the altar of an abandoned church, surrounded by mist. A moon hangs in the sky, partially obscured by black clouds. Meanwhile, an abandoned throne – a literal etimasia – sits in a decaying crop field underneath a golden sun before the moon blots out the light.
Jarmusch’s new vampire flick, Only Lovers Left Alive, which was scored by Van Wissem, is now touring the festival circuit. Being that the film was well-received at Cannes (it even won the soundtrack award), it looks like Jarmusch and Van Wissem have a lot left to explore in the realm hidden between light and darkness.
The Mystery of Heaven is out now on Sacred Bones Records.