When Lavalette recorded this Cro-Mags cover, they surely knew they’d be pissing people off. Fans of ’80s hardcore can be defensive about their anthems and this pop-rocky cover of “Malfunction” embodies many of the things Cro-Mags’ very existence seemed to rebel against. It’s polished, it’s lush, and it features elaborate digital effects. Not surprisingly, the YouTube “Likes” and “Dislikes” seem to be neck and neck on this one. In fact, according to Crave, Cro-Mags themselves are split: singer John Joseph McGowan loves the cover while ex-bassist Harley Flanagan can’t stand it.
We like it and, if you keep an open mind (or don’t know the original), we expect you will too. Hardcore vet Mike Dijan’s (Breakdown, Skarhead) presence gives it street cred, and singer Rebecca Haviland delivers the words with a perfect amount of attitude. Watch the video below and see which side of the line you fall on.
Lavalette – Malfunction (Cro-Mags cover)
Check out more Lavalette at their website or Facebook.
