Recorded during their trip to Australia in early June, Inhaler’s widely anticipated cover has provided us with a stripped-back version of the iconic track, known for its feature in the opening sequence of the 2011 action-drama ‘Drive’. The band has taken the essence of the eerily distorted, synthwave tune and leant into this, whilst adding their own unique flair and transforming it into a laid-back indie masterpiece.
The band’s session with Like A Version, a segment of the Australian radio station triple J where artists are invited to perform an original and cover song, marks a significant milestone in their development as a band. After the release of their third studio album ‘Open Wide’ earlier this year, it is features such as these which are allowing the band to gain a fan base on an international scale.
Following the release of the cover, fans have also been excited by the feature of Robert Keating’s captivating voice. Despite being the band’s bassist, the member affectionately known as Bobby sports an incredibly unique vocal range which is shown to complement the deeper tones of Inhaler’s lead singer, Elijah Hewson. The incorporation of such vocal talent has been largely anticipated by fans, recognising Keating’s breathtaking ad-libs from their live shows and how they never fail to get the crowd excited.
In an interview with Like A Version, the band commented on how “because it was a movie soundtrack that kind of felt different to just covering like a normal pop song”, allowing them to showcase and challenge their ability to embrace the song’s given narrative, reinterpreting the song whilst maintaining its core. The band mentioned how the cover “went through a lot of different versions” before the one we hear today, with a staggered introduction beginning with guitarist Josh Jenkinson and Hewson’s vocals before building to include Keating and drummer Ryan McMahon, giving the cover a natural progression akin to the original electro track.
When discussing the creation of the cover, Keating also regarded how he “snuck it into our pre-show playlist”, a little Easter egg for fans who attended their ‘Open Wide’ tour earlier this year, with more festival features and shows set for later this year.
With an ethereal tone akin to their own music, with backing vocals and composition comparable to the popular ‘Just To Keep You Satisfied’ and recent release ‘X-Ray’, Inhaler’s take on Kavinsky's electronic classic has certainly sparked the attention of fans and listeners, with many requesting the cover be released on other streaming platforms.
You can listen to the full cover here, alongside their live version of ‘Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah)’ from their latest album, also recorded during their session with triple J.
Jenna Laband
Image: Inhaler cover Kavinsky's ‘Nightcall’ for Like A Version triple J Youtube Thumbnail
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