B-Side Guys

Small Leaks Sink Ships takes a bold and introspective turn with their cover of Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want To Have Fun,” transforming the buoyant 80s pop anthem into a profound exploration of emotion and depth. This version, steeped in moody, epic, and sad tones, reveals the song’s hidden layers of vulnerability, previously concealed by its upbeat tempo. This reimagining by the Portland-based experimental art pop band is a testament to their creative prowess, showcasing their ability to infuse familiar tunes with new meaning and resonance.

The band, composed of multi-instrumentalists London Van Rooy, Judd Hancock, Jim Mandel, and Ryan Garner, brings a unique blend of synthetic and acoustic sounds to this cover. Their reinterpretation aligns with their eclectic style, marked by a fusion of hip hop, art rock, and emotional absurdities. The somber rendition of “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” echoes the band’s own journey through significant challenges, including life-altering accidents and health struggles, imbuing the cover with a sense of authenticity and raw emotion.

The decision to cover this iconic track stemmed from Van Rooy’s realization of the song’s inherent emotional depth during a road trip. This insight sparked a creative process that led the band to strip the song down to its emotional core, highlighting its introspective lyrics. Their version stands in stark contrast to the original, inviting listeners to engage with the song’s narrative from a completely different perspective.

In this cover, Small Leaks Sink Ships not only pays homage to an 80s classic but also asserts their artistic identity. They transform “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” into a reflective and poignant piece, far removed from its origins yet intimately connected to its essence. The band’s rendition offers a captivating experience, inviting listeners to rediscover and reconnect with a familiar tune in an entirely new light.

Through their cover of “Girls Just Want To Have Fun,” Small Leaks Sink Ships demonstrates the transformative power of music. Their approach exemplifies how a song can be reinterpreted to convey a different yet equally powerful message. This cover is a compelling showcase of the band’s versatility and a striking example of how music can transcend time and genre to articulate the complexities of the human experience.

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