Words by Jesse Serwer—
The video for Bunji Garlin’s “Differentology” is one of the most anticipated ever from a soca artist. “Differentology” was the breakout tune of Trinidad’s carnival season, a season which has already produced some memorable, high-concept videos that have stepped up the game for soca visuals. Months have passed since Carnival hype died down, but the hype surrounding “Differentology” has only grown. Even The Guardian has taken notice, naming it first in a list of “Essential summer jams for 2013.” Throw in the fact that the video was shot (and publicized) back in the afterglow of carnival in February, and you have the biggest soca story in mont
Well, the “Differentology” video is finally here, and while it’s definitely high-concept, or at least multi-concept (there’s mud people, gladiator swordfights and imagery from a variety of other eras, from medieval to Victorian), the reviews from Trinidad range from mixed to highly negative. It’s even been compared by some to Lil Bitts’ much-maligned “Raise De Dust” video, a clip so terrible it inspired a #ThingsBetterThanLilBittsVideo hashtag on Twitter. Not exactly an accurate comparison, as “Differentology,” while it has its shortcomings, also has merits. Watch the video below, and decide for yourself.