CAVALCOVERS

I don't think it needs mentioned, but the absolute absurdity of an Avant-Punk-by-Avant-Prog group covering a famous KC song, an early Country Pop tune by Taylor Swift and a Captain Beefheart song all on a single release is dumbfounding... And yet! this is exactly the kind of diversity that I would want from a covers album. Like, who all are y'all into or pulling from? What will you, in this case, do with these disparate songs? On paper, it's awesome.

The aforementioned King Crimson song is none other than "21st Century Schizoid Man", a song I must admit I feel is very likely over-covered. But as is the challenge of 'the cover', will this appeal to someone checking out this artist potentially for the first time, a foot in the door to Black Midi in this case? In that same vein, really what I would think is the main point (somewhat weirdly to me) is that someone will know the song you're covering. Or numerous someones. You get it. From the very start, true enough to the original, although drummer Morgan Simpson managed to somehow outgroove Michael Giles! As 'true' as it may be, this is actually a strength, the cover becoming a showcase of the band's abilities. Much welcomed is the Ian MacDonald role filled by talented guest saxman Kaidi Akinnibi. Blackened vocals are joined by an absurd German impression at the very end. I love it. I can't believe it [well, it is Black Midi, so I can], but this is genuinely great.

Completely changing tone and direction and... potentially toward a different dimension, the next one is "Love Story" by T-Swift. All the hype surrounding her newest releases, taking a turn toward Indie Folk I believe, has still not quite drawn me in haha. And I can't imagine a cover by a band I even love will turn me in her direction any time soon. Anyhow... Of course my first question, you'll agree, was 'Are they about to play this song straight?!' What's even more interesting to me is that they're doing a Country-Western thang [I suggest a slightly older stylistic direction than her original]. The inclusion of sax does admittedly make it sound like E Street cheese, so... It's weird haha. Never need to hear this again. I'm not sure I even find it funny, though I'm sure the feeling would change if I saw this live. It's not like I don't respect this bold move on their part.

And on to the real wild card of the EP, though one that actually makes the most sense: Beefheart's "Moonlight On Vermont" off the beloved and confounding Trout Mask Replica (1969). The weird, angular guitar fits this perfectly, the drums are contained yet wild enough, and I assumed it had to be Geordie absolutely crushing these Howlin' Wolf-style growl-vox. Pure Avant-Blues, I have a feeling certain fans of his Magic Band would be pleased. Hilariously, the song slowly speeds up nearing the end and morphs almost entirely into a brief U2 reference, pulling guitar riff and lyric from "Pride (In the Name of Love)". Hilarious and amazing.

Overall, a pleasant surprise.

True Rate: 3.75/5.00