By Keith Walsh
In their brand new version of the classic XTC song “Senses Work Overtime,” Smoke And Mirrors Sound System give this classic tune a wonderfully bright and lovely shine.
Smoke And Mirrors Sound System are an eight-piece band from San Diego, California, and all of Andy Partridge’s optimism and joy from the original is felt in this cover, and then some. In addition to the traditional three pieces of a basic rock lineup of vocals and guitar (Tony Devenish) bass (Jeffrey Govan), and drums (Blake Colie), there’s additional guitars by Brandon Niznik and Brian Jorda (who also plays cuarto), Hammond organ and piano by Kevin Hewitt, as well as the wonderful horns of Buford O’Sullivan (trombone, trumpet) and sax, percussion and background vox of John Roy.
This version brings out a ska beat that’s not on the original, and the latest album by Smoke And Mirrors Sound System (and their other releases are dub mixes). There’s also the influence of Brandon Niznik on guitars. Niznik, aka Wise Owl is a collaborator with Nate Bridges of Black Market Dub and a ska fixture of the Los Angeles music scene.
On the YouTube post of of “Senses Working Overtime” by SMSS, there’s a whimsical animated video that shows off further the innocent nature of the song, which was originally on XTC’s 1982 album, English Settlement. This outstanding new version is on Escape Hatch Records.
Smoke And Mirrors Sound System Dot Com
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Smoke And Mirrors Sound System On YouTube
Escape Hatch Records
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