30 Seconds to Mars - Do or Die

'Do or Die' is the second single released by American rock band 30 Seconds to Mars from their 2013 album 'Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams'. Following the release of their lead single from the album,

entitled 'Up in the Air', the band have released their second single and the subsequent music video.

The album debuted at no.6 on the Billboard 200 chart during the first week of its release and has been well received in general. This second single is reminiscent of their familiar style, the song feels uplifting; the song starts calm and builds up to create musical atmosphere. The verse structure reminds me a lot of their song 'Kings and Queens'. Like 'Kings and Queens' lead singer Jared Leto can be heard fading in and out, holding notes for effect and is almost 'whispering' to the listener in his usual style. this is indicative of the band's preferred musical stylings and ultimately makes it easy to listen to.

The song is in some ways very calming, you are unlikely to having much to complain abo
ut listening to it, ultimately it works, and is a good follow up to 'Up in the Air'. Although unlikely to be considered an 'anthem' the song fits in well with their musical style and does the band justice.

In terms of the music video, it opens very much documentary style: the camera is focused on a man, talking to the camera about his father. There is no music playing, but eventually the camera cuts to the man and many other people introducing themselves and explaining why they need music in their lives. You almost forget you are watching a music video for the song 'Do or Die', but the addresses to camera by these people are clearly supposed to be thought provoking and sentimental.

Finally, the beginning of the song plays loudly and we are shown shots of crowds bouncing up and down 'rocking out' to the music (clearly filmed from their tour). Beats of the song are timed with fist pumps, drum beats and the screams of one particularly enthusiastic fan as he screams in the face of Jared Leto. If you think that's the last you've seen of screaming fans you are wrong. In the subsequent minutes there is probably an equal amount of screaming to Jared Leto's singing.


The video is too long to detail each and every shot but highlights include: Jared Leto waving different international flags montage style; security guards falling over to try and rescue Jared as he crowd surfs; various people addressing the camera to give sentimental and heart-breaking stories.



The intended message of the video is clear: to follow your dreams, have faith and listen to the music. Although at times it can feel like mere self promotion of the band, (as those addressing the camera admit how much they love the band, so are clearly fans) it does at least feel partially sincere in that music in general can be a great reprieve (not just that produced by this particular band).



Reviewed by Yaz.