By Covering (and releasing) a song can either turn out really well – or not. For example, you can compare DMA’s cover of Cher’s ‘Believe’ and Counting Crows’ attempt at being Joni Mitchell quite strikingly. You already have a source material that, presumably, is a perfectly performed original – so, there’s already another track to compare it to. A cover needs to set itself apart from the original track with the covering artiste’s style and originality, whilst maintaining the atmosphere of its source.
Circa Waves’ BBC Radio One Live Lounge cover of The 1975’s ‘Somebody Else’ was released officially last week to great reception from their fans. For me, the cover begs the question – would I have enjoyed it more had I not instantly compared it to the original?
The 1975’s ‘Somebody Else’ is my favourite track from ILIWYS (etc.), which is an all round fantastic record. In contrast with the emotional, echoing and haunting original, Circa Waves put an indie spin on the track, with a louder sound and a more triumphant instrumental with your typical indie-rock guitar and drums beat. Circa Waves’ track becomes more vengeful, heated, and sped-up as it turns into a break-up song with less emotion and more catchy beats.
Only critiquing the single means only taking it comparatively with The 1975. ‘Somebody Else’ as a Circa Waves track would fit perfectly in the ‘Different Creatures’ album, and works as a quality summer indie song that’s perhaps not quite single worthy, but definitely enjoyable to sing along to at a gig.
