We’ve seen some incredible Like A Versions this year. We’ve seen originals eclipsed, a staggering alt-rock mash-up, and that’s not to mention the moment our hearts stopped when #1 Dads gave FKA twigs a serious run for her money or Hiatus Kaiyote’s potential front runner for best of the year.
Now, Melbourne nu-soul favourite Oscar Key Sung has unleashed arguably the most ambitious Like A Verison cover of 2015 with a rendition of Jamie XX’s ‘Loud Places’, a soaring choral number from the XX mastermind’s latest solo effort, the universally acclaimed In Colour.
It’s not hard to see why this is a tough one to pull off. For one thing, the album was released just last month, so the track is still fresh in our memories, propelled by extensive radio airplay on Triple J and sister station Double J.
Secondly, the original track is an opulent and lush affair, marked by a grand choral hook and hushed lead vocals from The XX’s Romy Madley Croft. The instrumentation is equally grand, replete with playful percussion, soulful piano, tasteful layers of synth, and an inescapable guitar loop.
Oscar Key Sung clearly had his work cut out for him in making his mark on one of the most acclaimed single releases of the year. Of course, this leads to the all-important question: did he pull it off? Watch the performance below to find out.
