Weeknd
“After Hours fits into the hedonistic world of sex, drugs, and self-loathing that Abel has been known for. Only this time it feels much more refined, as Abel seemingly follows a concept throughout the whole album. The story follows the pain Abel puts himself through following a failed relationship, by the album’s end, it's revealed that this pain is cyclical and will repeat with every heartbreak he’ll endure. From loneliness to regret, to escapism, and back to loneliness, After Hours explores the cycle of Abel’s mind.” -Medium
“To say Abel stayed committed to the visual aspects of After Hours would be an understatement. In every single
live show or other public appearance, he can be seen in the now-infamous red suit and grown out fro. Abel has
always been the artist to make a statement with his looks if you can recall back to his earlier days when he was
making headlines for his Basquait-style hairdo, a subject of many memes. So naturally, his change in style is no
surprise, but this time around it plays a vital role for this album.”
-Medium
“His commitment to the After Hours aesthetic carries on throughout the music videos as well. The most notable
contribution being that of Anton Tammi, who seems to have inspired the entire art direction. He brings about
this highly stylized look of bright lights and high contrast colours that makes each video appear glamourous.
The editing is filled with fast cuts, while the cinematography bares resemblance to films such as Fear and
Loathing in Las Vegas, The Joker, and recent works by the Safdie Brothers (Good Time, Uncut Gems.).
Each
music video follows a concise narrative with a majority of the videos taking place after each other.”
-Medium
How Abel Pulled Off His Cinematic Masterpiece
After Hours Visual Aspects