Japanese reggae-core band SiM has released their new album PLAYDEAD via UNFD. To mark the album’s release, the band has also shared the official video for ‘UNDER THE TREE (Full Length Ver.)’, which features in the immensely popular “Attack On Titan” anime series. About the track, vocalist MAH commented
This is the full version of ‘UNDER THE TREE’ which was produced as the theme song for Part 1 of the final season’s last chapter of ‘Attack on Titan’. “The Rumbling” depicts the screams of the main character, Eren Yeager. The song expresses the terror of the Titans and utter despair. The story of the anime also starts with the annihilation of the world, so the timing of the work couldn’t have been better synchronized. While bearing in mind that this is the “prequel” to the final version, I felt the need to sing about the torment of the other main protagonist (and it’s no exaggeration to say this), Mikasa Ackerman.
In contrast to ‘The Rumbling’, ‘UNDER THE TREE’ starts with the dark and heavy piano. Then Mikasa begins singing quietly as if lost, expressing her evident frustration. She tries to talk to Eren and tries chasing him, but he slips away, and she tries to find any way of holding him closer. Then she’s hit by a realization, and she vows to keep waiting “under that tree”. As this is just Part 1 of the anime, I decided only to sing up to this point. While creating the full version, I carefully considered whether to mention the conclusion of the narrative. But I wouldn’t dare. Once you watch the whole story, listen to the song again, and re-read the lyrics, only then will everything become apparent. That’s what this is about.”
PLAYDEAD is now available on all streaming platforms at the link here, SiM will be in Europe in February, opening for Nothing More. The tour includes a stop in Belgium at Trix in Antwerp on February 22. Tickets for this concert are now available on the venue’s website