Girlpool - “Before The World Was Big” (Official Video)

The first post I ever did for Stereogum was a Girlpool video — the “Chinatown” one back in January — so their wonderfully swift rise over the past few months always gives me a twinge of pride, like we’re in this together. Regardless, Cleo Tucker and Harmony Tividad are one the best things to happen to 2015, a gift from and to girls, capturing the infinite universe of friendship, nostalgia and rebellion that comprises the core of femininity. “Before The World Was Big” is the title track off their debut album, and I already wrote about how it’s a quietly powerful reflection on the loss of girlhood for 5 Best Songs of the Week. In the video to the track, they ventured to Coney Island, what might be the quintessential place to mourn the loss of innocence, as well as glory in the here-and-now. The video premiered on Rookie in a post by Allyssa Yohana, who also created the clip. Shot in the now-beloved vintage film style, it’s just close-ups of these two wandering around enjoying the day and being with each other. I see all my most important friendships reflected in the laughter and hand-holding of Harmony and Cleo, and that’s the point of this video. It’s a mirror and a beacon for girls worldwide, just like their album is. Two girls with guitars can change the world, and that’s exactly what Girlpool are going to do. If you don’t agree with me, I don’t even care because Willow Smith does.