If you haven’t heard of Natalie Prass yet, just wait until the end of the year “Best Albums” lists start rolling out. Prass’s self-titled debut, released early this year, is a gem. The lush backgrounds support her (usually) reserved delivery. She’s had many comparisons to Jenny Lewis (for whom she has previously sung backup) but Nick Drake references work as well. With that in mind, a cover of Simon & Garfunkel‘s “The Sound of Silence” seems an apt choice, but Prass flips the script with a stripped down funk cover of the folk classic.
The track is from Prass’s EP releasing this week, Side by Side: Live at Spacebomb Studios, and also features covers of Anita Baker and Grimes. Over a funky organ and simple drum and guitar combo, she successfully transforms the original into a danceable, 3-minute jam. It’s a different sound than her album and shows even more of her impressive range. Based on what we’ve seen so far, we expect more great things from Natalie Prass.
Check out more Natalie Prass at her website and check out the new EP this Friday. Also check out more great covers of “The Sound of Silence” here.
