In the rapidly evolving world of music, where trends come and go with the click of a button, there are still artists who find solace and inspiration in the sounds of the past. Peter Ehrling, the mastermind behind Me & Melancholy, is one such artist. His latest release, Under Cover, Part 2, is not just an album but a carefully curated homage to the sounds that shaped the musical landscape from the 1980s to the 2010s. Through nine meticulously crafted covers, Ehrling breathes new life into classic tracks, reimagining them through the lens of his signature melancholic, synth-based soundscapes.
Me & Melancholy is more than just a musical project; it’s a reflection of Peter Ehrling’s deep connection to electronic music. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, Ehrling’s journey as a musician and producer has always been driven by a passion for the emotive potential of electronic sounds. Before venturing into Me & Melancholy, he was part of Gränsen, a project established in 2022. With Me & Melancholy, Ehrling delves into the depths of melancholy, blending the nostalgic tones of 80s synthpop and new wave with the introspective vibes of modern indie pop and alternative rock.
Ehrling’s self-taught approach to music production has allowed him to explore the full range of electronic music’s possibilities. His dedication to crafting evocative, thought-provoking tracks is evident in every release. With influences ranging from New Order and Depeche Mode to Radiohead and Bloc Party, Ehrling has developed a sound that is both retro and forward-looking, creating an atmosphere that is at once haunting and uplifting.
Under Cover, Part 2 is the second installment in Me & Melancholy’s exploration of cover songs, following a three-song EP that laid the groundwork for this full-length album. Where the first part offered a glimpse into Ehrling’s ability to reinterpret classic tracks, this album fully showcases his talent for transformation, with nine covers spanning a diverse array of genres and eras. Each song was chosen not just for its popularity or influence, but because of the personal connection Ehrling feels to the original.
In Under Cover, Part 2, Ehrling takes songs originally rooted in various genres—post-punk, indie rock, synthpop, and alternative—and reimagines them within a dark, electronic framework. The result is an album that feels both nostalgic and new, paying tribute to the original compositions while also highlighting Ehrling’s unique artistic vision.
The Tracks: A Closer Look
1. The Sun and the Rainfall – Depeche Mode
The album opens with a cover of Depeche Mode’s “The Sun and the Rainfall,” a track that encapsulates the essence of early 80s synthpop. Ehrling stays true to the original’s melancholic melody but introduces new harmonies and electronic textures that add depth to the song. The result is a track that feels familiar yet refreshingly different, setting the tone for the rest of the album.
2. 3e Sexe – Indochine (Featuring Zeyneb)
Indochine’s “3e Sexe” is transformed into a harder-hitting electronic track with the addition of powerful drums and bass. The collaboration with vocalist Zeyneb adds a new dimension to the song, her soft vocals contrasting beautifully with the driving rhythm. Ehrling’s respect for the original bassline is evident, but his version takes the track to a new level of intensity.
3. This Modern Love – Bloc Party
“This Modern Love” from Bloc Party’s debut album is reinterpreted in a chill, laid-back style. Ehrling initially intended to include more guitars but found that the song resonated better with fewer instruments, allowing the electronic elements to take center stage. This minimalist approach gives the track a dreamy quality, emphasizing its emotional core.
4. Run – New Order
New Order has been a significant influence on Ehrling, and his cover of “Run” is a testament to that. While the original is guitar-driven, Ehrling’s version is a fully electronic reimagining, with only subtle guitar elements remaining. Notably, this is the only track on the album where the vocals were recorded in a single take, capturing a raw, spontaneous energy that adds to the song’s allure.
5. Socker – Kent
“Socker,” by the Swedish band Kent, holds a special place in Ehrling’s heart. His electronic rendition maintains the emotional intensity of the original while infusing it with a darker, more atmospheric vibe. Ehrling’s deep connection to the song is evident in every note, making it one of the standout tracks on the album.
6. Major Leagues – Pavement
Pavement’s “Major Leagues” is given a complete electronic makeover, born out of Ehrling’s musings on how the band’s music would sound in a synth-based setting. The track emerged after Ehrling attended a live Pavement show, and the resulting cover captures the laid-back, yet slightly dissonant, spirit of the original while adding a modern twist.
7. Fake Plastic Trees – Radiohead
Radiohead’s “Fake Plastic Trees” is one of the more introspective tracks on the album. Ehrling began working on this cover years ago, only to rediscover it in his archives. The final version stays true to the original’s emotional depth but is enhanced by Ehrling’s atmospheric electronic production, which amplifies the song’s haunting qualities.
8. Smalltown Boy – Bronski Beat
Bronski Beat’s “Smalltown Boy” is transformed into a nostalgic electronic anthem. Ehrling’s younger self was captivated by the song’s melody, though less so by the vocals. In his cover, Ehrling retains the song’s emotional core while modernizing its sound, making it accessible to a new generation of listeners.
9. Lovesong – The Cure
The album closes with a cover of The Cure’s “Lovesong,” another track that Ehrling began working on years ago. His version is more electronic and laid-back than the original, stripping back the instrumentation to let the melancholic melody shine. This minimalist approach gives the song a new emotional depth, making it a fitting end to the album.
Throughout Under Cover, Part 2, Ehrling demonstrates his evolving approach to music production. While he has experimented with replacing hardware gear for a more streamlined, in-the-box process, he has recently returned to using hardware synthesizers. The tactile experience of interacting with physical instruments, he believes, enhances the creative process, even if it requires more time. This balance between analog and digital is evident in the album’s rich, textured soundscapes, which draw on both modern production techniques and classic synthesizer tones.
Under Cover, Part 2 is a testament to Peter Ehrling’s ability to reinterpret and reimagine songs from across the decades. By blending the past with the present, Ehrling has crafted an album that resonates with both nostalgia and innovation. Me & Melancholy’s latest release is a must-listen for fans of electronic music, offering a fresh take on classic tracks while staying true to the emotive, melancholic essence that defines Ehrling’s work. For those who appreciate music that is both introspective and danceable, Under Cover, Part 2 is sure to leave a lasting impression
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