Indie pop-punk band, When the Sun Sets, took on the ultimate feat by releasing their version of Post Malone’s ft Morgan Wallen, “I Had Some Help” on April 2. The original version of the track is one of my favorite tracks released by Post Malone and is heavily etched in my mind, this new version took a little time to grow on me. Even though after the first listen, I liked the new version, something was missing and I had to figure out exactly what it was. Then hit hit me, some of my favorite original parts were missing from the track: the clean finger-picking guitar intro, slide of the steel pedal guitar, the drum kick after the second verse, and the overall laid-back style, but that’s what makes the original country. Right?
Now that I know it’s not because I’m missing Post from the track. I can genuinely appreciate the track within its new genre of Pop Punk, and I had to give it another listen.
With the kick of the drums, the band quickly introduces the energy for which they’re known. The electric lead intro brings a fresh new life to the track, and the drums they replaced with a pause after the second verse. All the subtle changes gave me a whole new appreciation for the track. The added energy towards the end of the song is exactly what I craved which I just did not get from the original. The band infused their energetic style while preserving the core elements of the song making it the perfect track to introduce their unique style to a new and broader audience.
On the track the band shares: “We wanted to really challenge ourselves musically on this cover and we believe that we gave this song a whole new life in pop-punk form. A Billboard topping single was a major task, but I think what kept us going was the thought of this being our ‘Pop Goes Punk’ version, trying to keep what didn’t need to be changed but make it our own in a unique way.“
One thing, while listening to the new track, all I could think of is how it would feel to see When the Sun Sets to perform “I Had Some Help” live. The band exudes energy throughout the song that could easily be amped up live, making for a memorable performance.
You can catch When the Sun Sets on their US spring tour dates.
4/11 – Toledo, OH @ Frankie’s
4/12 – Youngstown, OH @ Westside Bowl
4.17 – Chicago, IL / Bottom Lounge
5.23 – Saint Louis, MO / Platypus
5.24 – Carbondale, IL / Commune
5.25 -Milwaukee, WI / X-Ray Arcade
5.31 – Baltimore, MD / Power Plant Live! (Never Early Fest)
6.27 – Fort Wayne, IN / The Brass Rail
6.28 – Erie, PA / Basement Transmissions
6.29 – Columbus, OH / Rumba Cafe
Check out When The Sun Sets on socials: Spotify // Instagram // TikTok // Facebook // Twitter // YouTube // BandsInTown
