Out today is the new track from Essex singer-songwriter Scott Lavene, and it’s a cover of The Walkmen’s Rat. It’s the Bside to his current single Nigel and we’re delighted to premiere it right here on Backseat Mafia today.
Of the track, Scott says “The Rat by The Walkmen can never be bettered. Honestly, I hate doing covers but i’ve always loved singing this song. To me it’s about heartbreak and saying goodbye to the glory of youth and feeling alone for the first time. When i first heard it i could relate to all of that and the performances and band are just so fucking good and of course Hamiltons voice just tears you up. It’s just perfect.”
With his version, Scott strips it of its pulsating backing, and instead focuses on the emotion in the track, accompanying it initially only with a piano, a smattering of echoey guitar chords the only other instrumentation. Whats left is emotive and startlingly beautiful.
Check it out, here
Nigel / The Rat is out today, digitally and on cassette. Cassette bandcamp pre-order: https://scottlavene.bandcamp.com/album/nigel
LIVE
26th May – The George Tavern, London (Socially Distanced Gig)
