The world didn’t know it needed a classic NSYNC song to be turned on its head and into a 2022 “Emo” anthem. But heading towards late September here we are.
The Spirit League have covered “It’s Gonna Be Me” (wiki) with loving awareness of what it was and keen foresight into what it could be. (In case you want to refresh yourself with the OG Banger, go here.)
It’s a stark, slowed down version that pulls at feelings of angst in a way the original couldn’t. The lyric “Every little thing I do, never seems enough for you” haunts. Then comes the line “It’s gonna be me,” and we are firmly into obsession / stalker territory.
The Spirit League don’t let the tune slip completely into an overdose of melodrama though. Sure, the raspy vocals of Kyle Ryan echo and hint at a deep and perhaps dangerous attraction, but the instrumentation / arrangement is more mystical than outright scary. The short rolling organ effect harkens to B-grade horror soundtracks. And the hooks remain just as powerful if not moreso. Now we’ve got a slow, yearning desperation dancing unapologetically with that banger of a chorus.
It works.
The Spirit League’s 2020 LP “Forever Yours.”
A perky, peppy pop anthem about not being enough but not giving up is now a haunting Emo durge with a new sense of power and purpose.
Sure, it’s also just plain fun to hear a version like this. But going back to the original after hearing the cover — you can’t help but like the weight and understanding of The Spirit League’s take.
The Spirit League is the brainchild of producer/guitarist/vocalist Kyle Ryan (production and performance credits include Kacey Musgraves, Willie Nelson, Natalie Prass, Liza Anne), drummer/producer Cam Brousseau (SYML, Hunter Hayes), keyboardist Spencer Martin (The Brummies), and bassist Benton Kubicki (Jordan Davis).
https://www.positionmusic.com/artist/MzIwODc4LWI4ODYzNQ
The Spirit League EP “A Strange Familiar” features 4 Covers.
The Spirit League page on Position Music website.
LINK: https://www.instagram.com/thespiritleague/
UNCLE EARS is a music blog written by David Falk. davidrfalk@gmail.com David was born in 1962 and gravitates towards melodies, adventure, unsigned artists, fresh discoveries. He trusts his ear to know what it likes and loves sharing what he finds. He lives near Seattle, WA, USA.
UNCLE EARS YOUTUBE: Our September 2022 Reviewed Songs Playlist
Uncle Ears 
Leave a comment