No one would argue that hard rock hasn’t had much presence in mainstream music for a while (with minor blips being Metallica and Nirvana‘s returns to the Top 40 on the Billboard Charts thanks to prime syncs). So sometimes the best thing to do is to create a bridge between the world of popular music and the metal/hard rock music that can draw in new fans to the genre.
The rock band Valaina seems to understand this all too well. Outside of writing their own original material like the fiery “Cut Me to the Quick” and the catchy alt-rock “Remedy“, they recently released their take on The Weeknd‘s massive hit “Blinding Lights“. The original is no doubt a pop gem, and literally the most streamed song in Spotify history (4 billion and counting). While The Weeknd‘s version relies on synths for its unforgettable melody, Valaina tackle the song as only a rock band should; with fierce, shimmering guitars and pure, organic drums.
Vocally, Valaina‘s powerful pipes retain the pop-savvy of the original, and add an extra emotional heft in the subtle melodic changes they make. It’s not a reimagining of the song; just a more propulsive, driven version powered by the strength of rock instrumentation.
Take a listen to their take on the beloved song here!
The Indy Review 