Watch Self Defense Family Guitarist Compete in Muay Thai Fight in New Music Video | Revolver

Watch Self Defense Family Guitarist Compete in Muay Thai Fight in New Music Video

Visual for "The Supremacy of Pure Artistic Feeling" examines life of musician and fighter Mary Brulatour

Self Defense Family have released a new and fascinating video for the track "The Supremacy of Pure Artistic Feeling," from their forthcoming record Have You Considered Punk Music — out June 29th via Run for Cover. Though strongly identified via their previous life as End of a Year, SDF is closer in scope to Low, Slint or Moss Icon these days, shining heavy melodies through the lens of punk and holding on to that tense, brooding darkness that lingers the moment before you hit that distortion pedal.

"The Supremacy..." is definitely in that world, letting shimmering guitar lines ring as rolling snares give a sense of propulsion that never ultimately comes — instead the track moves along into pensive before bidding adieu. It's beautiful and sad in the best of ways.

The music sets the scene for the video, which tells the tale of Self Defense Family guitarist — and Muy Thai fighter — Mary Brulatour. Throughout documentary style filmmaking, the Philadelphia-based fighter details the ups and downs of the ring, the emotional toll it takes on herself and loved ones and the physical and emotional impact that it takes. It's a beautiful video, perfect concept and an ideal pairing. 

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Mary Brulatour (third from right) and Self Defense Family

"Mark [O'Brien] and I wanted to continue with the video theme from 'Have You Considered Punk Music.' A vignette that makes the specific — calzones, Thai Boxing — relatable and general," says Brulatour. "It's ironic that Pat [Kindlon] is singing about how his current partnership grounds him, forces or allows him to take off his ambition's horse blinders for a moment and be present with another person. I feel like in my video interview I'm talking about what it costs to pursue Muay Thai, especially in terms of interpersonal relationships. I like the contrast and I believe that it's implied that either path is 'worth it.'"