This Wild Life, the indie alt duo, took Nirvana‘s popular “Heart-Shaped Box” and put their own acoustic spin on the track.
“Heart-Shaped Box” originally appeared on Nirvana’s album, In Utero, in the fall of 1993. That was the third and final album from a band that influenced a generation musically. This Wild Life’s singer and guitarist, Kevin Jordan, was a part of that generation. He values them on a different level now.
“Growing up in the 90’s I think every kid loved Nirvana, but as I grew older I started to appreciate the songwriting and artistry more. While digging back into these old records this song really jumped out at me due to the beautiful but simultaneously haunting melody in the verses,” Jordan said. “I thought it would be a fun and challenging project to approach this song 24 years later with a dark and cathartic arrangement without the huge drums and guitars. Anthony (del Grosso) and I produced the track ourselves after our last US Tour and we hope it comes across as an ode to a songwriter who left this place far too soon.”
The cover works because the duo isn’t trying to recreate Kurt Cobain’s vocals or Nirvana’s grunge sound. They toned it down, simplified it and made it their own. What do you think about This Wild Life’s cover of “Heart-Shaped Box”? Leave us a comment and let us know.
