In 2019, German rock band AnnenMayKantereit (probably one of the most stereotypically harsh-sounding German band names you could think of) was touring in massive open air stadiums across Germany, and for a part of the tour Aussie Berlin-based band Parcels joined them on stage as a support act.
Luckily for the majority of us who missed the shows, a piece of the collaboration between these two bands was captured on top quality film. Half a year after their joint gigs, they released an iconic cover and music video of Kylie Minogue’s Can’t Get You Out Of My Head.
As if the track wasn’t already catchy enough, this funky collab takes it to new levels.
For starters, let’s talk about the video (below). It was recorded in the Tropenhaus in Berlin’s botanical garden and features nine artists from the combined bands. The setting is beautiful and the film work is outstanding, with the camera weaving between instruments and panning over each musician so that you really get an intimate glimpse at every element of the recording.
Musically, it’s a fantastic cover: it stays true to the irresistible rhythm of Minogue’s original but saturates it with rich new instrumental layers. We even get a classic Parcels jam session 3 minutes in, during which Jules Crommelin and Patrick Hetherington take the spotlight on keys and guitar. They seem so in the moment that it almost feels like they’re improvising it all. (Who knows – maybe they are.)
Jules and AnnenMayKantereit’s Henning May take over the solos of the song and their voices complement each other’s so well, with Jules’ soft falsetto floating above Henning’s rugged bass. If you haven’t heard Henning’s voice before, you’ll be shook when he kicks off the second verse --- he sings like he’s pouring every part of himself into each note. The rest of the artists all join in to harmonize the “la la la’s” that carry through the song, but whenever Henning is singing, his voice naturally dominates.
He’s also the only one not playing an instrument, giving him even more freedom to dance along – and oh does he ever. It’s so fun to watch them all grooving together.
Prepare to have this song stuck in your head for days. Happy listening! :)
Comments