Tale of Two Cities

John von Ahlen, the creative force behind the Australian electronic pop band Parralox, is once again wowing fans with his latest song and visual. This time, the spotlight is on "Goodbye Berlin", the band’s second release from their Genesis album.

It is a bittersweet love song that captures the essence of saying farewell to a significant chapter in one's life. The lyrics are poignant and touching, and Johanna Gervin’s distinctive vocals add depth to the emotional resonance of the track. To match the moody and bleak sentiment of the song, von Ahlen and Gervin decided to film the music video in an unconventional location: the heart of Manchester, UK, in the middle of the night.

Manchester, with its industrial and somewhat eerie ambiance, provided the perfect backdrop for "Goodbye Berlin." The city's rich history and architectural diversity served as a metaphorical canvas for the emotional journey the song takes listeners on. The decision to shoot at night was a bold move, as it adds an air of mystique and melancholy to the visuals.

The video depicts von Ahlen and Gervin, dressed in black, walking alone in the city center. The emptiness of the cityscape mirrors the emptiness felt by those parting ways in the song. As the video unfolds, it weaves a narrative of love and separation, beautifully capturing the song's essence.

“I’ve been directing music videos for over two decades, and it can be jarring when you have to step into the role of director with people you are close with, as I am with Johanna,” von Ahlen reflects. “Luckily, Johanna’s a real trooper, a professional who takes direction and never complains, even when it’s two in the morning and freezing cold, like how it was on the shoot for Goodbye Berlin!”

The visual treatment doesn't overpower the music but enhances it, creating a holistic and immersive experience for the audience. It's a testament to von Ahlen's skill as a musician and a visual artist.

Parralox launched in 2007 when, on a whim, John von Ahlen collaborated with vocalist Rowena "Roxy" Martin for a track he had written, “I Fell in Love with a Drum Machine”. The song became a hit and led to the duo recording their first album together, Electricity.

Now in its fifteenth year, the band has experienced several shake-ups. It currently features John von Ahlen as the band’s lead vocalist and female vocalists Johanna Gervin, Jane Badler, and Louise Love. Ian Burden (formerly of The Human League) rounds out the band in the role of guest Bass Guitarist.

“I hope fans enjoy our new sound,” John von Ahlen continues. “It’s been a while since we released original material, and it’s really so awesome to get this out there. It never ceases to amaze me when we get feedback on social media about the songs and videos, and it’s really rewarding when people say they are inspired by the songs. It’s the ultimate compliment.”

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