Australian duo Client Liaison has turned Kimbra's "90s Music," the sleek, eclectic lead single from The Golden Echo, into a nostalgic, electro-pop banger with their re-work. The group has gained traction in Australia in the past few years with help of Triple J, the country's nationally-owned alternative radio station. They're best known down under for their early 90s aesthetic and sound, and their charming, oddball music videos.
Where Kimbra's "90s Music" kicks off with drum machines, screeching electronics and sampled voices, Client Liaison's version begins with light synth play, deep bass lines and even some didgeridoo. The slow tempo and atmospherics evoke late 80s David Bowie, while the thumping bass is a nod to modern dance music.
The duo largely replaces Kiwi Kimbra's lyrics with their own, shouting out 90s idols Patrick Swayze, Sharon Stone, Whitney Houston and Richard Gere instead of TLC, Aaliyah, Mariah Carey and "MJ" at the track's climax. While Kimbra edges out Client Liaison with regard to vocal quality, the Australian band bests Kimbra overall on "90s Music" by better capturing the essence of the decade in a track that appeals to modern listeners. Kimbra tries to accomplish too much eccentricity while Client Liaison does what they do best — make groovy, nostalgic dance music.
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Kimbra
"90s Music" (Client Liaison Re-Work)
- Warner Music
- 2014-08-19
