Photo by Ben Kaye
CoSigned rockers The Districts haven’t done much by way of new music since releasing their stellar label debut, A Flourish and a Spoil, back in February. Proving they’re still as much of a studio force as ever, though, they’ve just released a knockout cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Lover Lover Lover”.
Cohen’s original from 1974’s New Skin for the Old Ceremony walked with a Southwestern tilt thanks to acoustic guitars and some gentle horns. For their version, however, the Philly rockers stick to their strengths, turning the song into a beautifully tense indie Americana tune with cooing guitars and taut drumming. When frontman Rob Grote delivers Cohen’s lyrics in his own strained voice, the heartbreak is highlighted more than ever, steering away from the romantic and veering headlong towards the desperate.
The Districts started out years ago as a high school cover band, and they’ve clearly still got it. Take a listen to their version of “Lover Lover Lover” below.
For reference, here’s Cohen’s original.
