The third single from Extra Time’s critically acclaimed album Songs With Long Titles, “The Boy Who Dreamed of the Stars,” is an emotionally charged and thought-provoking piece that tackles the difficult subject of childhood trauma. The Australian band, known for their cinematic and harmonically complex pop music, delivers a poignant narrative that explores how predators target vulnerable children. In this track, the metaphor of a telescope and the lure of seeing the stars are powerful symbols of manipulation.
Lead vocalist Brendan McNamara bravely draws from his personal experience, offering a deeply intimate look at a painful moment from his past. With raw and reflective lyrics, he seeks to address this trauma not for sympathy but as a way to process and transform the pain into something positive. McNamara's honest interpretation of the song highlights the courage needed to face those memories, with the music being eerie and restorative, providing a therapeutic experience for the audience.
The talented Nikita Kibirev's directing of the accompanying video enhances the song's emotional impact with a stunning mix of 2D and 3D animation. Taking cues from Pan's Labyrinth and Over the Garden Wall, the video blends psychological horror with magical realism, depicting the experience of childhood trauma and the struggle to move past it. The imagery creates a surreal feeling, juxtaposing the boy's harsh realities with the endless expanse of his dreams.
Illustrator and character designer Janelle Barone’s contribution brings depth to the video’s visual storytelling, using a surreal suburban landscape as the backdrop to this emotional narrative. Barone’s vision reflects the tension between the confined world of the boy’s reality and the limitless space of his dreams, adding layers to the story’s meaning.
Recorded and mastered at Damien Gerard Studios, The Boy Who Dreamed of the Stars is a masterful track that solidifies Extra Time’s place as a band that isn’t afraid to tackle hard-hitting topics with grace and artistry. Released on Foghorn Records, this single and its accompanying visuals serve as a reminder that music and art can be transformative tools for healing.
With The Boy Who Dreamed of the Stars, Extra Time tells a deeply personal story and creates a space for others to connect with their own experiences of trauma and resilience.