Sumner is an Australian electronic music duo that first formed in 2018. Artists Chloe Wilson and Jack McLaine’s original song “Stranded” garnered attention from Aussie radio station Triple J, and made it onto the radio station’s hottest list in both 2020 and 2021. Surprisingly, their new cover of “Like a Prayer” for cover-song series Like a Version for the station steers away from their usual electronic impulse, at least in the intro. McClain arranged a rich new 4-part vocal harmony in this version of the tune. The duo also added drummer Patrick Denao for the live cover.
Out with the bouncy synths, and in with smoother, rounder arpeggiations. For a second, I’m reminded of “Fireflies” a la the early 2000s. The drums morph, boots-n-cats-n at moments, almost boombap in the next phrase. Then the vocal break opens up into a blossoming model gospel section (until the synth rise comes in and swells to a chorus with new heights). The combination of acoustic drums and live drums, and five layers of vocals, interact deliciously until the unresolved end.
This cover is one part gospel, one part aughts, one part eighties, and two parts gritty techno.
A small aside: One has to chuckle that the radio show this is featured on is a spoof of another Madonna song titled “Like a…”
Check out our list of The Best Madonna Covers Ever.
