Kate Bush’s ‘Running Up That Hill’ is one of the most iconic and individual songs ever made in my estimation so committing to a cover of it is a brave choice.
Belfast producer Arvo Party and singer Larks didn’t let that deter them and rather than remake a classic, they ably offered an alternative parallel take on the song. Arvo Party’s production doesn’t lose the song’s fundamental gallop or starry-eyed vibe, it adds some rumbling low-end to proceedings and crystalline synth rises.
Larks meanwhile, has the hardest task of matching Kate Bush and she also rises to the challenge, using the song’s established vocals as a starting point for some small melodic changes that give their version enough of its own style. It ultimately feels like a faithful tribute to the original with a modern twist that shows both artists are capable of getting to higher places.
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005 . He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Cara Magazine, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, founder of Lumo Club, club promoter, event curator and producer of gigs, listening parties & events in Dublin.
