Mixtape
Mixtape is my first introduction to Emil Bulls and the first track I heard from the afore mentioned album was the single ‘You Should See Me In A Crown’ which I understand is a Billie Eilish cover. I had no idea who either Billie Eilish was or who the Emil Bulls were. Let me enlighten you….
Billie Eilish is an indie electro pop artist, whatever one of those is. She has a number of songs, including ‘You Should See Me In A Crown’. That is the most interesting thing I could find to say about her. The second most interesting thing I can say is the original song bears absolutely no relevance to the Emil Bulls high Octane metal cover version. Thank Goodness.
So, who are the Emil Bulls? The band are a German rock band with Christoph von Freydorf on vocalsand guitar, James Richardson on bass, Stephan Karl “Moik” and Andy Bock on guitar duties and Fabian Feet on drums.
The album is all covers, done in a very unique style. For example, I never thought I would hear a metal cover version of Destiny’s Child ‘Survivor’, but, thanks to the Emil Bulls, I have now. It was mind blowing. Right from the first arpeggio, it blew me away. I had a smile on my face, from ear to ear. The surprising thing is that it works so well.
It is a hugely entertaining album. For me, I enjoyed the pop covers more than the rock covers for purely the surprise factor involved. I think perhaps the rock covers, we all know are good songs, there is no argument that ‘Every Me and Every You’ by Placebo is not a great track. Emil Bulls add their metal touch, but all they are doing is playing a good song in their metallic style.
However, the more interesting stuff for me is the pop covers. The stand out song has got to be their rendition of Eminem’s River. This had real echoes of Linkin Park, and could stand alongside all the tracks of Hybrid Theory. It really has that American nu metal feel.
Another track I particularly enjoyed is ‘Rebel Yell’, a cover of the Billy Idol song. It is such a dramatic song, with the added synth keys giving a nod to the songs 80s roots. Other highlights include a somewhat thrash metal version of Starship’s ‘We Built this City’ and an even thrashier version of Genesis’ ‘Jesus He Knows Me’.
Mixtape is exactly what it says on the tin. It is a complete mash up of musical ideas. It is something that you would never expect to work and that is what makes it so good. I thoroughly enjoyed it and as an introduction to a band, what better way than hearing them play some songs you already know. Right then, I’m off to raid the Emil Bulls back catalogue!!
