Nicole Atkins‘ 2007 album, Neptune City, still ranks as one of my favorite debuts ever. And when a set remains as captivating on subsequent spins as it did upon initial listen, it’s a tough one to top.

This past February, Atkins finally released the follow-up, Mondo Amore. With a four-year wait between full-lengths, my anticipation for Atkins’ sophomore album had only grown, so I couldn’t help but be disappointed upon unwrapping Mondo Amore for the first time and discovering it wasn’t a return trip to Neptune City, but rather a bluesier, more rocking affair. Now with some months having passed since that assessment, I have a greater appreciation for Atkins’ new sonic adventures, though the pop-noir feel of Neptune City is where I much prefer to spend my time.

Atkins closes out a busy 2011 — the release of Mondo Amore and a lengthy tour with her band, The Black Sea, and some solo dates — by premiering a new music video for “Hotel Plaster,” a track from the album that most closely recalls Neptune City. Directed by Mandy Biseti, the clip stars members of the Black Sea and the singer’s roommates, the Ragolia twins. Atkins describes it as “a trip down the rabbit’s hole filmed in the deep dark woods.” She expanded upon her explanation to Rolling Stone:

“The video for ‘Hotel Plaster’ is about hearing the call to pursue an authentic life, and allowing the aspects of yourself that have lain dormant to come back to life. It’s a response to what the song is about, as opposed to a moving illustration of the lyrics,” she says. “Also, it was a great excuse to throw a tripped-out tea party in the woods.”

Atkins and her band recorded their July show at Brooklyn’s Music Hall of Williamsburg, releasing it as a free EPPurchase Nicole Atkins – “Hotel Plaster” via iTunes, Amazon MP3.