Give or take a few weeks, almost a full year has passed since the release of Emarosa’s third studio album Versus, the band’s most recent work to date. All the while, fans have (un)patiently waited for news of new music, passing the time only by listening to the same 11 songs on repeat and getting into heated arguments in the comments section of the I’ll Just Wait music video, often times against internet trolls who seemingly will never get over the departure of Jonny Craig and later addition of Bradley Walden.
Late on July 24th, 2015, the Kentucky based rock group surprised these fans with Versus Reimagined, an impressive four-song EP that while satisfying fans’ wish for new music, also leaves listeners desperately wanting to hear the rest of Versus in this “reimagined” format.
Opening with a stripped down version of Say Hello to the Bad Guy, Walden’s vocals turn an originally angsty track into a story of despair and regret. These lyrics that paint such a clear picture on the original Versus are somehow enhanced on Versus Reimagined; the colors are brighter and the paint is fresher.
Just as surprising as the release of this EP is the apparent string section on the second track, Mad. Playing with the same concept of calming an originally fast-paced, high strung song, the mix of orchestral backups and electronic harmonies create a blend that work oh so well in Emarosa’s favor.
Gold Dust is a dream track for Emarosa and Aaron Marsh fans alike. Despite being an almost untouchable piece from 2014′s Versus, this version of Gold Dust is enhanced by Marsh’s vocals and updated lyrics, which create a song so unlike anything found in Emarosa’s discography.
Closing the EP is a track that should be considered more acoustic and orchestral than re-done, but still impressive. The reimagined version of I’ll Just Wait is something one would expect to hear in the most heart wrenching scene of the most incredibly sad film. It’s depressing to listen to, but mostly because the start of this song means the end of this EP.
Versus Reimagined isn’t the first EP of it’s kind, and certainly is not the first release of Emarosa’s to impress fans. Instead, Versus Reimagined has lent something so unique and fresh to the ears of the unexpecting.
Stated simply, Versus Reimagined is a modern day rendition of a classic work of art. It can’t duplicate what Versus was, but shines in its own way that will leave people talking.
- Amanda Krause for Louder Sounds Media
vaporwave
origamiaround
gummygunk
turnnoffyourmind
pixelskylines
titsay
stormborns
