We Kill Cowboys like to push boundaries. They tackle tough topics through well conceptualised videos, and their latest single “Dead End” is no different.
Featuring one of vocalist Alex Muller’s best performances yet, the track boasts her striking range, moving effortlessly from soft vulnerability to fierce intensity. In fact, this delivery is what defines the track.
It’s all about the toll of abusive relationships, but from the perspectives of both men and women.
“He’s crying, he’s not a real man” reveals societal constructs that often leave men feeling trapped in their own emotions, whilst from a woman’s perspective, we hear their desperation for freedom.
The contrast between Muller’s emotional vocals and Andrew Middelkoop’s harsher delivery adds texture and tension. These dynamic shifts mirror the push and pull of abusive relationships, making the song feel even more alive with conflict and emotion.
The accompanying video is once again, striking. It shows a protagonist running through Cape Town’s streets in search of escape, before the story reaches a devastating end on a beach. The video serves as a great metaphor for being trapped, but it’s not too flashy, staying true to its intention.
With “Dead End,” We Kill Cowboys continue to shine. The track is an unflinching look at pain and social expectation, and it doesn’t just have vulnerability as a theme. Rather, it uses vulnerability as a tool for healing.
