The Cover Up: Velvet Stream ~ Bang Bang (Will.I.Am Cover)

Stand by to be stunned! I remain speechless at/gagged by the ingenuity, inventiveness, insightfulness and downright amazosity (yes, it's a word :P) of Velvet Stream. Fresh from their triumph song (and accompanying video for) Bitch, the gang are reunited (and it feels so good) for an absolutely sparkling cover of Will.I.Am's Bang Bang. Now you well may know the original from The Great Gatsby soundtrack - mixing a bit of Charleston with a bit of Nancy Sinatra's My Baby Shot Me Down and all glossed off with a bit of that ol' Will.I.Am futuristic boom boom pow. Velvet Stream have completely reworked it so that there is enough familiarity of the original but it's all given a shiny new vibe that is most alluring and very difficult indeed to resist. Initially it's set to some elegantly charming backing harmonies (provided by the fellas) that invoke 20s-esque Doop chic, yet that would put most 60s pop bands to shame. It gives it a lovely retro feel yet in a way that remains timeless and enduring. Mati comes in with her always on form vocals that is enriched by her ability to theatrically perform the lyrics rather than just sing them. Add to this some vibrant handclapping from the ever delightful and gregarious Ant & it's a jolly good time just waiting to happen. As if these exquisite layers of no-instrument music weren't enough, when the guitars and percussion mosey on in, it's a euphoric bliss that keeps on giving. And so far that's just the first verse - the chorus is a giddy trip all on it's own: there's horny goodness punctuating the lyrics; falsetto goodness from the guys; a nice deep "BANG" from Isaac; and some glorious sound effects ensuring you don't just listen to the chorus, you bloody well live it. Elsewhere there are some sinfully good Sympathy For The Devil type "woo woos" and a tremendous end musical montage of all the elements of the song played over each other for an effect that will have you tingling from head to toe. And do spend time watching the video - like "Bitch" (read all about it here) they evidence clearly that creative vision will win out over budget every day. It's a visual delight, and I love their shower head. Velvet Stream - the band that keep on (and on and on) giving :) LOVE.