For the last month Sarah Belkner has graced the presence of Marrickville’s The Newsagency with a special run of shows following the release of her latest EP Humans. Each week Belkner has performed with a special guest; Martha Marlow, Ed Wells and Katie Wighton, complete with a duet covering a classic song. For the final show she was joined by Maples.
Anyone who’s been watching the Sydney scene with a keen eye will be very familiar with Maples’ (otherwise known as Gabby Huber) entrancing take on alternative pop with touches of synth pop. Coming together for the final Newsagency Session, the dynamic duo give us a cover of Sufjan Stevens‘ haunting Death With Dignity.
Needless to say the pair have delivered a stunner of a cover. Stevens is no easy artist to cover, but Belkner and Maples are up to the task. Rather than try to replicate the heartbreaking aesthetic of the original they give it a more uplifting vibe. The keys are light and feel more playful, the harmonies between the two emulating a more comforting vibe. It’s a beautiful take on the song