The Avett Brothers’ ‘High Steppin” is a Free-Wheeling Ride With Dark Undertones [WATCH]

Following the announcement of their upcoming new studio album, Closer Than Together, the Avett Brothers have shared "High Steppin'" -- and its accompanying music video -- off the new project. Press play above to watch.

The song's catchy beat is dogged through dark lyrical undertones throughout the track, and the band highlights that contrast in the music video for the song. In the clip, the band takes a sunny ride through the countryside, decked out in cheery Western wear and stopping for a line dancing break in the middle of the road. The good times can't last long, however: A painted-faced Death, played by bandmate Seth Avett, is riding shotgun.

Scott Avett tells Rolling Stone Country that the surreal, quirky juxtaposition was intentional.  “I’ve always loved a contrast, if it’s colors or if it’s themes, if it’s sound. Something that is sort of fatal, or critical, or just massively stressful contrasted with … more of a playful sound,” he explains.

"High Steppin'" is the first track the Avett Brothers have shared off of Closer Than Together, which is due for release on Oct. 4. In a mission statement posted to Instagram, the group stated that while they don't view the new project as a sociopolitical statement, the songs they wrote for it do grapple with their own personal experiences of processing -- and in some cases, failing to comprehend -- the fallout of a turbulent news cycle.

Before they drop the new record in the fall, the Avett Brothers have a busy summer of gigs and festival dates ahead. They hit the stage at Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival on Friday (June 14.)

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