This outstanding cover of the anthemic ‘Blinding Lights’ by The Weeknd adds a whole new dimension to the word “anthemic”. A driving rock ballad, Shape Of Water’s outstanding spin on the timeless original makes this cut wholly distinct, and wholly theirs.
Shape Of Water is an electronic art rock duo based in Manchester, formed by Italian musical expats Rox Capriotti and Luca De Falco. The duo’s sound on their version of ‘Blinding Lights’ is defined by hammer-fisted beats, throbbing synth leads, and frenzied vocals. A totally fresh take that’s at once very familiar and very new.
The 2 musical veterans, having worked together in different outfits and under varying guises since 2004 are showing outstanding synergy on this intoxicating cover of an already electrified song. Shape Of Water’s ‘Blinding Lights’ manages to be effortlessly punchier and more present than the original. While forfeiting the distinct sophistication of The Weeknd’s pristine arrangement of synths, replacing it with a hot-headed drum beat and impressive vocal yelps that are somehow more gripping than Tesfaye’s original, this guise for the energizing chords and melodies that make up ‘Blinding Light’ are just as impactful and as huge as the real thing.
A stunning achievement, Shape Of Water are showcasing their deep appreciation of The Weeknd’s ‘Blinding Lights’ with a captivating cover that’s equally fresh and true to the original. A thoroughly enjoyable release.