It's a crazy feast for the eyes and ears. I was blown away for the whole show. The music is like grunge country blues and the animation is mesmerizing.

A fascinating experiment. The combination of animated work from different artists, different but cohesive images of a post apocalyptic world, subtle and artful homages, and a non-linear yet clear and satisfying story. I can't think of a better way to accompany a concept album visually.

"Sound & Fury" is an American animated short film from late September 2019 that has made nice waves recently in the 1.5 months since its release as this one was actually used to promote recording artist Sturgill Simpson's new album. You can hearf the entire thing in its over 40 minutes. I don't want to talk too much about the songs, but rather about the film, still a few words: I liked the music overall. It was nice, the singer's voice has something raw to it and it was pretty enjoyable from beginning to end. My favorite song is probably Mercury in Retrograde and that one plays before the closing credits roll in. My personal highlight. But it will depend on personal taste of course, which ones you enjoy the most. I must also say I was not familiar with the singer before that I believe and normally I need a little while to warm up to a new voice, but here it worked out pretty quickly and that says something truly positive about Simpson. Now as for the video, there are many different animation styles to it. This would explain why so many directors are credited here. Simpson is not one of them, but he is one of the two writers and also producers, so clearly this project was close to his heart. As for the animation and stories, I think I preferred the first 20 minutes over the second, but both are pretty decent, just in really different ways. It's a bit tough to find a story/plot in here, but it's alright. It is not impossible and even if you don't succeed, it is a success I'd say because you can really breathe in the creativity.

By the way, looking at how many Japanese people have worked on this film the looks of the eventual outcome should not come as a surprise to anybody. It's not harmless Studio Ghibli style, but more serious with stuff like the world being at stake etc. and definitely more for grown-ups looking at the more graphic sequences, not just in terms of nudity. But it fits kinda well. The songs go nicely together with what you see I would also say. Of course the characters are not talking or at least we don't hear them because naturally we hear Simpson all the way. But it's alright. The characters' actions feel interesting enough for audiences not to lose their interest. There is nice attention to detail in this one and I won't hesitate in giving this one a thumbs-up. The animation is also pretty good. There were moments to me when I considered giving it 4 stars ou of 5, but overall for now I am going with 3. Maybe on rewatch. This is a good film on first watch, but also one where you will probably always discover something new again. And if you don't, then at least you can enjoy the quality soundtrack. I can see why it has turned into a success. Go for it and I am curious how much awards attention this one can achieve, even if the aforementioned song makes clear that Simpson probably doesn't care about that. Also kinda surprised this is a Netflix production. Now that is really all.

Or not. Correction 17th November 2019: I still like the animation for the most part, but the album, really almost every song (especially Mercury in Retrograde),has stayed in my head since when I heard them for the first time and I feel like really digging the artist right now. Infinity loop and stuff, concert tickets for January, so I increase my rating here from ***/***** to ****/*****. Been a while since I came across an artist I liked that much instantly. Or I should say whose music I liked this much instantly. My favorite short film from 2019 at this point.