White Lies “Love Lockdown” (BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge) (Video)

West London’s White Lies storm into the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge, riding high on what appears to be a debut #1 record in their home country, and proceed to breathe some new life into Kanye’s “Love Lockdown” as part of the BBC’s continuing covers series. It takes lead singer Harry McVeigh a bit to find his way into the song (the lyrics are written out in front of him), but once they hit the chorus, the band turns this song into something brooding and immense, with a heart and emotion lacking in the original. Hearing someone actually sing the lyrics, as opposed to Kanye’s auto-tuned robotic vocals, gives this song a much needed vitality and a more organic sound. And the rest of the band nails it, giving the track a depth and a beat that doesn’t sound programmed and lifeless. Kanye’s recent live performances of this song have added the full band sound as well, perhaps because he knows this song is way more massive than the version on the record and deserves better. White Lies are a band you’ll be hearing more of in the coming months, including a forthcoming tour with the Soft Pack (formerly the Muslims) and Friendly Fires, but for right now enjoy their stomping version of “Love Lockdown.”

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Also: White Lies, Friendly Fires & the Soft Pack @ Triple Rock Social Club