Emotion Kapture’s latest release, Laid So Low (Tears Roll Down), is more than just a cover—it’s a heartfelt tribute to one of their greatest influences, Tears for Fears. While the original track, written by Roland Orzabal and first appearing on The Seeds of Love in the late ’80s before resurfacing as a single in the ’90s, remains a lesser-known gem in the band’s discography, Emotion Kapture breathes new life into it with their unique sonic identity.
Covering a song as emotionally charged as Laid So Low isn’t just a matter of reinterpreting melodies—it’s about capturing the essence of what made the original so compelling while adding a fresh perspective. Emotion Kapture approaches this with deep reverence for the source material, ensuring their version fits seamlessly within their existing body of work.
What makes this release particularly special is that it wasn’t originally intended for a full production. It started as an experiment—one of several demos recorded as a learning exercise. However, Laid So Low stood out, and the band felt compelled to give it the attention it deserved. The result is a version that respects the melancholy beauty of the original while aligning with the band’s signature style, influenced by post-punk, electronic, and 80s synth-pop.
Emotion Kapture, the duo of Pete Jago (vocals) and Tony Denmade (music and production), have carved out a distinctive sound that blends haunting melodies with atmospheric production. Their previous single, Some Kind of Star, was praised for its emotional depth and hypnotic qualities, and Laid So Low continues in that vein.
The song’s brooding yet melodic arrangement showcases Tony’s ability to craft immersive soundscapes. There’s a lushness to the production—layered synths and a textured backdrop that elevate the song’s inherent melancholy without overwhelming it. Pete’s vocal performance is especially noteworthy, not just for its emotive delivery but also for the dedication behind it. In a striking display of commitment, Pete refrained from speaking for an entire week before recording, ensuring his voice was in the best possible condition after previous attempts had led to vocal strain. That level of dedication is rare and speaks volumes about the care put into this project.
Emotion Kapture’s take on Laid So Low isn’t just about nostalgia or paying homage—it’s about musical continuity. Tears for Fears, particularly Roland Orzabal, have had a profound impact on modern music, influencing countless artists. By choosing this track, the band highlights a lesser-known but deeply meaningful piece of that legacy, giving it a new platform for appreciation.
Furthermore, the song’s themes of introspection and longing align seamlessly with the lyrical and emotional motifs present in Emotion Kapture’s original work. In many ways, it feels like a song they could have written themselves, which is perhaps the highest compliment one can give to a cover—it feels like it belongs to them while still honoring its origins.
With Laid So Low (Tears Roll Down), Emotion Kapture has achieved something rare: a cover that doesn’t just replicate but reinterprets and reinvigorates. Their version captures the soul of the original while embedding it with their own musical DNA, resulting in a track that resonates both as a tribute and as a standalone piece of art.
If this is any indication of what’s to come from their upcoming album, Emotion Kapture is a band to watch closely. Their ability to fuse deep emotional storytelling with immersive production sets them apart in the modern alternative scene. With their name serving as a reminder of music’s power to capture and preserve emotions, Laid So Low is a perfect example of that philosophy in action.
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