Earlier this year, London based band Laurel Collective presented their excellent version of Micachu’s ‘Golden Phone’ to back up the single, ‘International Love Affair.’ The latter artist now returns the compliment with this unique take on Laurel Collective’s debut single, ‘Vuitton Blues.’
Where the original version would fall neatly into the pigeonhole of quality, but safe ‘Radio 6 Music-friendly’ indie-pop, the Micachu take is infinitely more daring; more exciting. Actually, it is so different from the Laurel Collective that it would be really unfair to compare the two.
The sinister sounding opening quickly gives away to a sharp, almost whining synth sound and a drum & bass beat and Micachu’s deep, guttural vocals. Then when least expected, there is complete change of pace and tone as the drums momentarily take on a more rock-based form for the link into the chorus which in turn has an almost child-like, school choir feel.
This is a inventive and effervescent track that coupled with earlier release, ‘Golden Phone,’ is sure to make Micachu & the Shapes one of the bands ‘most likely to succeed,’ in 2009.