The Endless Coloured Ways: The Songs of Nick Drake is a compilation album set to be released on 7th July 2023. It features various artists, notably, Fontaines D.C., who covered ’Cello Song.
A note-spanning guitar riff opens the original version of the track. On top of this, various sounds are layered, such as a pitter-patter reminiscent of heavy footsteps against a wooden floor and a cello phrase that recurs. Menacing vocals enter, Nick Drake’s voice silk-smooth. These, layered against one another, make the song what it is. Fontaines D.C.’s rendition strays from the original in a significant, yet tasteful way.
Momentum hits as soon as the drums enter; the tight sound of the snare, followed by the screeching sustained guitar sounds and jangly strumming, is opposite to how Drake begins, albeit maintaining the same ominous ambience. The use of guitar effects complements the cello phrase well, with high notes smoothly fusing with it.
Vocalist Grian Chatten’s phrasing of the opening line is sung with more conviction than Drake’s; both suit the lyrics in different ways. It is also worth mentioning that the band rearranged the lyrics – perhaps this was to suit their interpretation of the song. Regardless of the reason, it is fitting and makes for a rendition that is truly the band’s own.
Fontaines D.C. turns a soft-spoken song into something that boasts not only Drake’s musical ingenuity but also their talent in making an iconic piece of music distinctly theirs. Their cover of ”Cello Song’ is a thoughtful tribute, as well as an excellent addition to their catalogue.
Words by Marinel Dizon
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