Today my friends, I bring you a cover version, now before you all sigh and roll your eyes, bear with me on this one, I’ve got a story to tell.
Our Welsh cousins The Autumn Killers formed just before the lockdown hit, Rob Reece, Duncan Richardson, and Graeme Hoy, soldiered on like many artists despite the crushing uncertainty. To end this year, they release their Christmas single, and it is a song that means a huge amount to many people, it is very dear to me, having grown up with it. Those who remember ‘Fame’ the TV series will know the impact, the fervour and the infectious vibe that show created. It ignited the dancer, the performer, the artist in us all, so many latched on to the song ‘What A Feeling’ because we knew it would make us come alive, it would make our dreams come true. For those 3.20 minutes we gave our all, we danced without fear, we sang without any hindrance. That is the legacy that singer Irene Cara has left, the sad news of her death has rekindled that fire, that passion to entertain.
The band have adapted the song to the modern era with a version that has been done diligently, with an awareness of the influence and stature of the original. This is the ‘star maker, dream breaker, soul taker’ all in one. With Rob’s gritty vocal lines, the sound is more muted, coasting comfortably through the track, the obvious difference being the switch from a female voice to a male, but that does not deter from the wealth of grace and technique we find here. The guitars are more pronounced, the song coruscates, it dazzles, it sparkles through these cold winter days and nights. Familiarity with an original work can allow for prejudice, judgement, and favouritism, but the anticipation here was just so tangible, you could hold it your hands. I waited for the beat, that one second for my entire being to explode in wonder and delight, and at 0.50 there it was, the signal that everything was going to be alright.
It is the essence of accomplished songwriting made even more special by sensitive, artistic talent and nous, keeping it honest, adding colour and dimension to a song that was already perfect. The Autumn Killers have made a crown befitting of the queen of our hearts when it comes to performing, a glowing example of uninhibited, unparalleled, euphoric joy!
Now, where are my legwarmers?
Azra Pathan
The Autumn Killers – Flashdance- What A Feeling out now