You Don’t Own Me

MuddiBrooke

Single Review

Typically when a band release a cover song as a single, whether they are an independent band or even a major artist, I get a tad apprehensive. This isn’t because I think its going to be bad or that I’m one of those people that feel covers are a cop out. I have just fallen foul of listening to covers that are carbon copies of the original, just with a bigger production budget or are just hollow dance remakes. So when I saw that my favourite Derbyshire grunge rockers had taken on the huge task of covering Lesley Gore’s Iconic 60’s hit, my curiosity was peaked. What MuddiBrooke managed to do with the track not only re doubled my love for this all female three piece but also created a gritty anthem that bared the teeth that were clenched during the original.

‘You Don’t Own Me’ is a track that even upon its original release way back in the 60’s was already an anthem for woman’s empowerment. It used a heavy piano and haunting strings to create a real pressure build. However, during its chorus some of the punch was taken from the song and replaced by a lighter touch of strings that gave a gentle tap quality rather than the roundhouse suggested in the lyrics. These sucker punch though has been uncaged by MuddiBrooke who use their pure grunge attitude to give the iconic single to fangs it deserves. From the sludge filled and tight distortion of the guitar work to the driving combination of the solid drum and bass behind it the song maintains the weight that the original had toned down.

Also, another great thing about this cover is though there is no taking away from the amazing vocal range and talent that was Lesley Gore, I feel that lead vocalist Brooke’s tone and attitude elevate the words into the realms of where they belong. Her power and scratchy vocal pattern really lends itself to the growling nature of the song. The whole thing feels like a soft smile that merely gives the suggestion of the fangs that lie beneath, but it is enough to make you take notice. Even towards the end of the song Brooke goes for it vocally creating a wall of raw emotion that slams into just before the songs climax.

Overall, MuddiBrooke not only paid homage to the original material by covering the track but managed to do what few covers have done and pull even more from within the lyrics. For me, its the pure connection that the theme of the song has to the philosophy of the band that has allowed this humble three piece from the East Midlands to create a cover worthy of its original song. I very much look forward to hearing what’s next!

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