smush transform Hotline TNT's “Lawyers in Love” into something completely new
smush have never been a band that simply recreates what already exists, and their new take on “Lawyers in Love” proves exactly why the Brooklyn-based duo continues to generate real heat in the shoegaze underground. Released as a free Bandcamp download on December 5th, the track immediately doesn’t feel like a casual side project or a throwaway homage, rather like a full reimagining filtered through their super fresh sound. In a rare feat for any cover, their version doesn’t just stand next to the original, we think it completely surpasses it.
The first thing that grabs you is the vocal performance. The female lead brings a softer, more vulnerable center to the song, adding an emotion that sort of reframes the entire mood. Where the original leans into its tension with restraint, smush push into something more intimate and piercing. Her voice floats over walls of textured guitar with a clarity that cuts through the haze.
Sonically, they sharpen the edges compared to the original. The production is noticeably more crisp, but it never sacrifices that dreaminess that defines their sound. The drums hit harder, giving the track a stronger pulse and a sense of momentum from the literal opening note that keeps it driving through the reverb. The guitars shimmer in equal measure, striking that perfect shoegaze balance between beauty and noise.
Tackling a cover is never easy without directly ripping it off, but we hope we’ve made it clear when we say it’s more of a reimagination.Their blend of sincerity and edge is all over the track, from the little imperfections in the mix to the unforced delivery.
More than just a cover, “Lawyers in Love” feels like a statement of range, confidence, and creative identity. If this is a glimpse of what their upcoming all-covers project will bring, then smush aren’t just participating in the tradition, they’re quietly redefining what it can be.
It’s no wonder they’re making a statement that has their name circling around the scene! If this happens to be your introduction, we can’t think of a better one. We also recommend you check out the original by Hotline TNT to really get a grip on what they’ve done here. You can click those links below to listen in, follow along, and of course to stay tuned for the latest, we know we will be!
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