London Plane Releases Compelling Bronski Beat Cover

NYC-based post-punk outfit London Plane is known around these parts for their powerful live shows and skilled songwriting. Today, in advance of their third album due sometime this year, the band has released a killer cover of Bronski Beat’s 1984 hit “Smalltown Boy (A Refugee Song).” Former Interpol member Carlos Dengler produced the song and also contributed keys and additional guitar to it.

“Smalltown Boy” is from their upcoming album, Villains Heroes Ghosts, which Dengler produced in its entirety. The song’s minimalist intro — just vox and guitar — gives the song a markedly darker tone that isn’t lost when the full band pops up. They deftly capture the earnest beauty of the original and blend that with a contemporary urgency. It’s a real treat. The band’s lineup: Oweinama Biu: Synths. Havovi Cooper: Vocals. Bryan Garbe: Drums. David Mosey: Guitar/Lead Vocals. Andrew B. White: Bass. Kristofer Widholm: Guitar.

From the band’s press materials: Subtitled “A Refugee Song”, the original message of “Smalltown Boy” has been expanded to shine a light on the current plight of displaced peoples across the world who are caught in ongoing conflicts. London Plane’s approach to this long-adored song uncovers a darker, more sinister tone to the original. A sparse intro highlights vocalist David Mosey’s semi-theatrical vocals (think Bauhaus’s Peter Murphy crossed with Bowie) before the band crashes in. The song soars and pulses with the unforgettable hook of Bronksi Beat’s synths doubled by layers of electric guitars, a rumbling bass hook, thunderous drums and a steel pan solo from percussionist Bryan Garbe.

The song’s on a bunch of your favorite streamers via Declared Goods. On Friday, April 24, London Plane will join Fuck You, Tammy! in support of 12090 A.D.’s at the latter’s album release show at Main Drag in Brooklyn. Tickets are available. Want more info on the band? You know what to do.