Back in July we shared the news about Flying Lotus’ new album Until the Quiet Comes due out in early October on Warp Records. Director Kahlil Joseph has released a short film of the same name that is both captivating and haunting, filmed on 35mm and set to three tracks from the album. In order of appearance in the film they are: “See Thru To U” (featuring Erykah Badu), “Hunger” (featuring Niki Randa), and “Getting There” (featuring Niki Randa).

The ethereal melodies and slow, sweeping shots of the Nickerson Gardens community in Los Angeles are entrancing and poignant with children smiling and playing in football fields. But an undertone of violence is also clear from the start. The film’s message, however, doesn’t feel quite clear as it progresses.

A young man is shown lying on the ground from a bullet wound to the chest, as clips of bubbly, turquoise water are intercut and the apparent drama of the scene morphs into something entirely unexpected. The young man rises, in what at first appears to be rewound footage, but is actually a strange and fascinating dance. The music fades into “Getting There” with Niki Randa’s honey sweet voice, and he seems to come back to life (or, maybe it actually is a representation of backwards time travel).

What an amazing way to lead up to the album release. It’s impossible not to watch this over and over, so please enjoy and share your comments on what you think about the film.