Del Roscoe’s latest music video, “Black Hats,” doesn’t rely on spectacle. Instead, it builds a world out of shadows and symbols. The Atlanta-based band has already earned attention for their gothic-infused take on Americana, and this new video extends that vision into a hand-crafted parable. Using homemade masks and props, the band tells the story of villagers trying to protect a generational book of truth from a faceless figure in a black hat. The figure, both literal and symbolic, represents manipulation, fear, and unchecked power.

Frontman Robert Lee describes the song as “a warning,” and the video reinforces that message without overstating it. The pacing is thoughtful, the imagery simple but effective. Rather than overwhelming viewers, the story unfolds with restraint – leaving space for interpretation.

Del Roscoe’s self-titled debut album introduced listeners to a sound shaped by lap steel, mandolin, accordion, and tight vocal harmonies. Critics have praised the band’s ability to create a cohesive sonic and emotional atmosphere. “Black Hats,” both song and video, fits squarely within that framework.

There’s also a deeper undercurrent to this project. The album was recorded while bassist Paul Abrelat was undergoing treatment for terminal cancer. He completed his parts before passing, and the album stands as a tribute to that shared effort. In that context, “Black Hats” feels like a quiet act of preservation.