Trip-hop duo After captivates fans with new single “Outbound” » // MELODIC Magazine

Almost two weeks since the release of After’s latest single “Outbound,” this up-and-coming trip-hop duo is breaking into an industry where listeners crave a new sound. 

Known for blowing up on TikTok and Instagram for their nostalgic, early 2000s-inspired music, indie duo After are a visionary dream of creating uplifting, electronic pop music that makes listeners feel like they’re walking on sunshine. In “Outbound,” fans feel no different. 

Consisting of members Graham Epstein (guitarist) and Justine Dorsey (lead vocalist), “Outbound” depicts the simplicity of being there for your loved one when they’re going through a hard time. With the lyrics in the second verse, “I’ll take you to the movies / I’ll take you to the park / I know when you’re not feeling alright / I’d know you in the dark” and the pre-chorus “Six feet underground / I’ll reach for you and pull you out,” After sheds light on mental health, endearment, and kindness; extending a hand to those who need it. 

In contrast to this comforting single is the music video. As the video begins, Justine can be seen singing in the kitchen surrounded by warm lighting with her band partner Graham, who is playing guitar in company. As the music video progresses, the duo can be seen in different parts of the house – encompassing nature-themed visual projections, trippy visual effects of After in movement with lyrics floating across the screen, and different aesthetic scenes of the pair captured by lens flare.