Live Review: LISTEN: The Knocks 'Midnight City' (M83 Cover)

8 February 2012 | 3:00 pm | Staff Writer
Originally Appeared In

My first listen to this cover of M83's 'How To Make It In America' anthem 'Midnight City' from NYC producers THE KNOCKS wasn't a happy one.

My first listen to this cover of M83's 'How To Make It In America' 2012 anthem, 'Midnight City' from NYC producers THE KNOCKS wasn't a happy one. I was left with one of the biggest what-have-they-done-to-our-song feelings I've ever had. On my second listen through, it became quite apparent that this version of one of the years biggest tracks wasn't to be dismissed.

I haven't really heard anything from vocalist MANDY LEE before, but she is almost doing a light Dolores O'Riordan (The Cranberries) thing with this; her delivery is infuriating to the ears on the first listen but does grow on you. It is also worth noting what an feat of production this track is, it definitely serves as a testament to just how talented THE KNOCKS are as disco-house producers.

Everything sounds beautiful and the track on the whole is just undeniably tight as a drum. However die-hard M83 fans should steer clear... you probably won't be into this at all.

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Words by Gabe Gleeson.