Ah, the audacity of reimagining a Nirvana classic. It’s a risky move, one that could easily alienate die-hard fans of the grunge legends. But BODIES, the Irish shoegaze and dream pop collective, have done just that—and with a finesse that’s hard to ignore. Their cover of “Dumb,” released in honor of the 30th anniversary of ‘In Utero,’ is a hauntingly beautiful ode to the original, yet it stands firmly on its own ethereal ground.
The first thing that strikes you is the sonic landscape. It’s as if BODIES took the raw, emotional core of “Dumb” and sent it through a disintegration-era Cure filter. The result? A shimmering, distorted dreamscape that feels like a warm, albeit melancholic, embrace. It’s a bold departure from the original’s stripped-down angst, but it works. It’s like they’ve unearthed a hidden layer of the song, one that was always there but needed the right artists to bring it to the surface.
David Anthony, the creative force behind BODIES, has had quite the journey. From a promising debut album “DRENCH” to a series of unfortunate events that included a debilitating accident and a global pandemic, the road has been anything but smooth. Yet, here they are, back with a renewed vigor and a sound that’s more refined, more “them” than ever before. The band’s upcoming album “Ores,” produced by David Prendergast of Kodaline fame, is already generating buzz, and if this cover is any indication, we’re in for a treat.
The band’s history is as eclectic as their sound. Originating as a studio collaborative project, BODIES has seen contributions from members of various Irish bands like Overhead, The Albatross, and Kid Karate, among others. Their initial run was met with critical acclaim and a slew of festival appearances. Then life happened—accidents, illness, and a pandemic. But the beauty of music is its ability to heal, to bring people back together. And that’s precisely what happened with BODIES. They’re back, not just as a band but as a more cohesive, more focused musical entity.
So, should you listen to BODIES’ cover of “Dumb”? Absolutely. Whether you’re a Nirvana purist or a shoegaze aficionado, there’s something in this rendition for you. It’s a respectful nod to the past, yet daring enough to look to the future. And honestly, in a world filled with uninspired covers, this one feels like a breath of fresh, albeit slightly melancholic, air.
