Hear Ohio noise rock group Rebreather’s sludgy cover of R.E.M.’s “Orange Crush”

On April 2, Ohio noise rock outfit Rebreather will release a new covers EP, Pets/Orange Crush. It’s part of Aqualamb Records‘ COVID Covers series, and on this round, Rebreather tackles tracks by Porno for Pyros and R.E.M. Today, the group has shared a stream of “Orange Crush,” which the group gives a heavier, fuzzed-out treatment while retaining the anthemic sound of the original track. It’s a thick and grungy take on the 1989 song with some great vocal harmonies.

Vocalist and guitarist Barley Rantilla says in a statement, “When presented with the opportunity to record a cover, we were excited for the challenge because we are typically a band that only plays songs that we have written ourselves. Ideas were flying everywhere but we quickly narrowed it down to two songs. Being a casual R.E.M. fan, “Orange Crush” is a song that randomly would get stuck in my head and I’ve always wanted an excuse to try and sing it. Thanks for checking it out.”

Listen to Rebreather’s take on “Orange Crush” below.