(Single from album, "Late Night Tales: Röyksopp")
There have been few cover versions reviewed here on this blog, and when I say here, I affectionately refer to the old dwelling at Blogger.com from whence I migrated quite recently. This is, in fact, the first proper song review I have authored on this site and not simply imported. So there you have it...
Trivia aside, this is the Norwegian Röyksopp's contemporary interpretation of what also happens to be my favourite Depeche Mode song, a B-side from their first ever single, "Dreaming Of Me", released in 1981. It's a Vince Clarke composition, with lots of squelchy keyboards and bouncing, synthesised drum tracks, sporting additionally, a fabulous cold end, demonstrating synth-pop oscillation at its very best.
Röyksopp take the song and do exactly what should be done with a cover; they make it their own. There's a much thicker, sparkling atmosphere on this particular record, providing something of a transcendent, ethereal tone that, depending on your opinion of the original, adds or detracts. It could be argued that the track feels clubby now, but, on the other hand, one might say that that is just the newer electro sound and its inevitable effect on a song that is over 30 years old. Personally I like it - I feel more engrossed in the deeper, denser Röyksopp recording than I ever did in Mode's cold, emptier version (though those qualities are, of course, still merits in their own right...)
I also love what the duo have done with the poppier keyboards; here the lead synths are just as shiny and rounded as in the original, but with a cleaner, higher-tech sound. None of the exuberance from the 1981 cut has been compromised, and instead the song just sounds like a really decent, modern, electronic track, using the more intricate songwriting of the late '70s/early '80s as a base layer or foundations but the height of music technology in the execution, creating a unique sound.
Their voices are great as well. Dave Gahan's own baritone vocal is, understandably, very deep and the higher squeal of the female vocal suits the vivacity of the track better in my opinion. The deeper, male interjections work, though I would have preferred the consistency of the girl's vocal, as the change removes from the polishing of the sound that the otherwise upper vocal octaves bring to the song.
To top it off, the song was issued on blood red 12" vinyl. So now it looks and sounds awesome.
A fantastic package that falls just short of full marks simply because the analog roughness of the original still creates something more special in my opinion - and, principally, because they didn't write it, which is grating when you hand out 5 stars. Let's call it a 5 star cover, and a 4 star song - fair?
Good stuff. Have a listen. Feeling cheeky? Have a dance as well - I know I have...
★★★★
Versions of "Ice Machine"
Album/Single Version - 3:40