Today Boris have shared a two-track Christmas single entitled Noël, released via Sacred Bones and available exclusively through Bandcamp. The release includes a striking rework of Boris track “Pardon?” by Lauren Auder and Dviance, as well as Boris’ take on the Wham! festive classic, “Last Christmas“.
Speaking on the rework, the band comment: “When Lauren Auder replied to our post and told us “I love this album very much,” we were very excited. We really like Lauren’s voice, atmosphere, music and video work. We replied back that we would like to work together someday soon. New Album is an album that has received various criticisms before, however, like Lauren, we also happen to love this album very much. Now, ten years later, we have asked Lauren to sing a new interpretation from it.”
Lauren adds: “I’ve been a long-time fan of Boris’s work and New Album has been particularly influential on my musical style. When this came up, Atsuo from the band proposed I take a shot at making a new version of the track. I was at the time working on my debut full length with my long-time co-writer Dviance and knowing how much he has also been inspired by Boris’ work it only made sense for us to work on this one together. I’m extremely excited for this to have come together and hoping to continue this collaboration in the future.”
The second track on the single sees Boris wrap the Wham! festive hit “Last Christmas” in swathes of dense sound, making for a powerfully celestial cover. The band explain: “This is a Christmas present for everyone who lives with the various restrictions stemming from COVID-19. Here in Japan, it is customary to give gifts at Christmas. We hope this Christmas will be the “Last Christmas” of COVID-19.”
Listen to “Pardon?” and “Last Christmas” below:
The single follows the recent news that Boris have signed to Sacred Bones and will be releasing their new album W on January 21st.