Much like their transformation of the word “churches”, Scottish electro pop band CHVRCHES has been presenting their own rendition of popular songs. Lauren Mayberry’s cover of Rage Against the Machine’s “Killing In The Name Of” is a complete transformation, an impressive feat considering the chorus “now you do what they told ya” is recognizable by nearly everyone born before the millennium.
Mayberry takes the anger-ridden song and makes it contemplative — rage becomes a dreamy ode to rebelliousness. A layer of harmonies replaces chanting, a melodic acoustic guitar replaces electric riffs and whimsical bells replace the intense drumbeat. Mayberry manages to make even the phrase “fuck you,” sound delicate. If you like this Rage Against the Machine song but can’t handle mosh pits, you may have just found the perfect compromise.