“Overload” by Culk – A Song Feature

 

     “Take a sad song and make it better.” It’s a matter of perspective as to whether “Overload” is a sad song – Sugarbabes (the composers) explained that “Overload” reflects the angst that's almost inherent to a teenage crush on a boy. The reference to "strange fear" in the first verse represents the “tummy butterflies” that accompany an anticipated teenage romantic relationship.  Still, the Culk cover is better, since it’s unquestionably richer and more textured. Moreover, the mixing enhances the drive in the infectious rhythm, and Culk adds engaging Shoegaze guitar to the original R&B and Hip Hop-like stylings.
 
     Culk is based in Vienna, Austria. The members are Sophie Löw (vocals, guitar, synthesizer, artwork), Johannes Blindhofer (guitar), Benjamin Steiger (bass, guitar), and Christoph Kuhn (drums). In “Overload,” Löw’s vocals are purposeful and committed to the lyrical message. Instrumentally, the highlight is the tremolo guitar that is featured during the bridge at 2:23. An interesting description of the cover from the press materials:
  “Culk manage to intertwine the catchiness of the poppy original with their own distinctive post-punk spirit, arising from a bass-driven, distortion-laden, shoegazy soundscape and the determined and haunting vocals of band leader Sophie Löw.”
 
     It should be noted that the “Overload” is the exception for Culk, which typically writes its own material. The band’s discography can be streamed and purchased via the Bandcamp site https://culk1000.bandcamp.com/. “Overload” was released via Ink Music (Vienna, Austria).
 
     “Overload” (Sugababes Cover) by Culk

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Lyrics of “Overload” (Sugababes Cover) by Culk
Strange fear I ain't felt for years
The boy's coming and I'm close to tears
Oh my God, I can't say no
 
Imagination's playing round for free
In my world I take him out for tea
Oh my God, I can't say no
 
Skipping school, go walk for air
I just had to get out of bed
I'm on overload in my head
 
Train comes, I don't know its destination
It's a one-way ticket to a madman situation
Train comes, I don't know its destination
It's a one-way ticket to a madman’s situation
 
Life in a dream, time does come true
And in my sleep I think of you
Feather bed by myself
 
Basically probability
Says that fate's come side with me
It's been so long on my shelf
 
Train comes, I don't know its destination
It's a one-way ticket to a madman situation
Train comes, I don't know its destination
It's a one-way ticket to a madman's situation
 
The tension is incredible, boy I'm in charge
You know how I feel for you
Will you stop, or will you just keep going?
Please don't say no, no
 
Train comes, I don't know its destination
(I  don’t know…)
It's a one-way ticket to a madman situation
(Situation)
Train comes, I don't know its destination
(I know, I know)
It's a one-way ticket to a madman's situation
(Situation)