For the latest, “Like A Version,” the long-running covers segment on the Australian radio station Triple J, Icelandic singer Laufey chose Phoebe Bridgers’ most pulling song: “Savior Complex”. The artist stands on the stage in front of a chamber group of strings. She reminds us of a singer straight out of the 1920s with her flowing pale yellow dress and tall black boots.
First, the violins start. Then her voice enters, no FX, completely raw. Real.
As we make our way to the line “Smoking in the car” the strings get gradually more complex. Then there is the pre-chorus where vocally, Laufey utilizes seamless near-yodel jump. After the chorus, the deeper cellos and basses enter. After the instrumental break, the voice blends with fingerpicked guitar, a beautiful sonic melding. Then the perfectly vibrato-d “Baby you’re a vampire” nearly brings us to tears.
At the three-quarters point, we get another stunning instrumental break, this time featuring a call and response between the first and second violins. The energy is constantly changing between loving and mournful. It ended unresolved and tense, never reaching the tonic.
For more great Pheobe Bridgers covers, check out this link!
