Loafer’s Renaissance Default

Following a smattering of jangly, playfully abrasive EPs, including a split with fellow muffled rockers Hovvdy, Loafer’s video for “On Leaves of Romaine” takes meal preparation Technicolor. It stars frontman Hugh Vu in his dimly lit bedroom, approximating Dos Equis’ Most Interesting Man in the World meets Twin Peaks’ Dr. Jacoby in metallic shades.

“It was who I envisioned as our generation’s renaissance person. He’s an intellectual, well-rounded, and a multi-talented stud who does everything,” remarks Vu via email of his onscreen persona, who partakes in Parisian easel painting, sultry sax, and a DJ setup that looks like he’s hacking into the State Department.

“Especially in Austin, it seems like everyone does everything these days,” adds Vu. “It’s just as laughable as it is impressive. I’m ignorant of most of the things in the video, but I think subconsciously, I wish I wasn’t.”

Well-adjusted self-deprecation plays out in his effusive live sets, wherein he tackles double duty on both drums and vox alongside guitarist Joe Aragon and bassist Andrés Chablé. Vu yells blankly into the void, but makes it fun.

Cinematographer Will Kurzner co-produced the cheeky absurdity, elaborating on the singer/drummer’s vision of a millennial da Vinci with asphyxiation-level smoke effects and zany nightclub lighting.

“Hugh really wanted to prioritize having fun over absolute perfection during the shoot,” writes Kurzner. “It helped us make better creative decisions and give the video its heart. We set off the smoke detector a lot for this one!”

Kurzner and Vu play together in local chat rock group Hola Beach, alongside guitarist Nolan Nevels, who makes a shadowy, fourth-wall-smashing appearance as the video’s unnecessary boom mic operator.

Loafer hops on Duncan Fellows’ residency at Cheer Up Charlies on Monday, February 19.