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Tableau Vivant’s "Incoming Signals (feat. Teggs Boyce)" – A Mesmerizing Blend of Retro Nostalgia and Psychedelic Storytelling

Writer's picture: STAFF STAFF

Silver car emits vapor on a purple-lit urban street with skyline. Neon text reads "Tableau Vivant" and "Incoming Signals." Retro vibe. Tableau Vivant  - The Cage, a music blog powered by Cage Riot
Photo provided by: Devious Records

By: Staff


When we heard about the release of "Incoming Signals (feat. Teggs Boyce)" by Tableau Vivant, we immediately headed to the official YouTube Music channel to experience the highly anticipated music video.


The opening synth sounds of this song evoke a violin-like sensation, yet they feel meticulously engineered to create a unique auditory identity. This refined, understated bass effect adds depth, and we loved the techniques employed by Tableau Vivant. As the ballad-style vocals of Teggs Boyce enter, they are smooth, masterfully delivered, and possess a distinctive audio signature that we thoroughly enjoyed. The powerful entrance of the bass undertones, paired with a gentle, rhythmic tapping beat, complements the vocals perfectly. We were genuinely impressed by this harmonious blend of talents of these two artists, which resulted in an exceptional auditory experience.


The music video is visually striking, featuring a compelling mix of edits that transition between a car on the beach and cosmic imagery of real celestial bodies. The use of intriguing visuals immediately captivates the viewer. The incorporation of underwater footage and a mesmerizing reverse effect creates the impression that we are witnessing the story unfold backward from its conclusion.


There’s something haunting yet irresistibly captivating about the lyrics:


"In the backseat / I can hear you / In the rearview / I can see you."


This evocative lyricism, combined with Teggs Boyce’s compelling performance, sets the stage for an immersive experience. As the video continues its reverse-motion storytelling, we find ourselves enraptured by both the sights and sounds. The supporting musical arrangement, with its ethereal yet high-pitched synth tones, conjures nostalgia reminiscent of the ’80s and ’90s but is infused with a distinctly modern flair. A breathtaking fast-motion driving sequence, also in reverse, adds a dynamic, innovative storytelling element that keeps the viewer fully engaged. The editing and color grading are exceptional, ensuring that the audience remains fixated on the screen.


One of the most visually stunning moments occurs when flames burn in reverse, leading to a remarkable scene where a piece of paper appears to unburn, revealing a hidden message. This editing technique is one of the most inventive we’ve seen in a long time, an absolute stroke of genius. The message on a piece of paper "I love you" gradually unveils itself as its being “unburned” while the film’s narrative plays in reverse, making for a deeply impactful moment. Tableau Vivant demonstrates an incredible aptitude for storytelling through music, making it evident that they are more than just a musician, they possess the potential to be a full-fledged screenwriter and sync song creator. The level of detail in this short music video is so engrossing that if an explosion went off in the office next to us, we wouldn’t even flinch, we’d still be glued to the screen.


As the video continues, we witness additional reverse-motion imagery, including a cigarette regenerating itself and footsteps retracing their path. The suspense intensifies as we desperately seek to understand what led to this moment. A striking synth breakdown punctuates the visuals as a lightning bolt flashes, adding an erratic yet perfectly rhythmic intensity to the unfolding narrative.


Throughout the video, we see everyday occurrences defying gravity rain falling upward, a person drinking, heightening the sense of disorientation. As the final verses soar with a breathy, emotive intensity, there’s an undeniable melancholy woven into the performance. The lyrics continue to reinforce the song’s emotional weight:


"’Cause I won’t stop until there is nothing left to remember."


We are suspicious that the protagonist is metaphorically moving backward through their life, possibly in an attempt to erase painful memories, whether once-cherished moments that turned sour or experiences too unbearable to endure. The concept of reversing time as a means of escape adds a deeply psychological and psychedelic dimension to the video.


This music video is nothing short of mesmerizing, and we anticipate watching it repeatedly, even after this review is complete. We highly recommend experiencing it for yourself, it’s an absolute must-see.


Tableau Vivant’s debut single, "Incoming Signals," released by Devious Records, marks the arrival of an artist with a vision. Blending nostalgic soundscapes with live instrumentation, this power ballad is driven by Teggs Boyce’s soaring, emotive vocals. The track features vintage synth tones, orchestral e-bow guitars, and ’80s-inspired basslines, seamlessly blending digital precision with analog warmth. Written and produced by Richard Gray, the single showcases a production style that merges his alternative rock sensibilities with his passion for analog textures and lo-fi aesthetics.


The sheer level of artistry in this debut signals great things ahead for Tableau Vivant. This astonishing first release leaves us eager to follow their journey as they continue to rise.



Check out this latest release and listen to more on Spotify & YouTube









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