A Grunge Anthem Turned into a Graceful Tune by the Unfinished Story
It is hard to imagine that there is a single person who has not listened to “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” This anthem is a cultural touchstone whose raw energy and iconic riff have captivated generations. Transcending grunge, its influence is evident in countless covers, like The Unfinished Story's latest rendition, proving that great music knows no genre boundaries.
Listening to “Smells Like Teen Spirit” immediately activates the deepest of your rebellious core. But is it possible to make it without the distorted guitars and driving drums? The Unfinished Story shows that it is possible to transform the way listeners connect to songs through bold and creative decisions. Inspired by the magnificent rendition of No Doubt’s “I’m Just a Girl” during the Showtime series Yellowjackets by Florence and the Machine, this artist started to wonder about the possibilities that 90s iconic songs like this could offer. Immediately, he started to look through his personal collection of CDs with the clear goal of transforming an impactful tune with his acoustic lens. His search ended when he landed on Nirvana’s album, and the answer was “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”
Using the name of a hit like this adds an extra layer of pressure. It is important to present a piece that could respond to the high expectations of the audience while staying true to your own style as an artist. The Unfinished Story did so collaborating with talented musician Austin James, who helped him craft this cover in his home studio in Connecticut. The result was a stripped-down version that feels hunting and introspective. To create this effect they used a piano to take the driving melody, violins to add some solemnity and tension, backing vocals, acoustic guitars, and even church bells to create a soul-stirring solo/interlude.
The song's nostalgic undertones are amplified in the upcoming music video. A poignant visual narrative unfolds as a solitary stuffed animal watches the world's end through a vintage television, confined to a secluded cabin.
The Unfinished Story's rendition of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" showcases the band's exceptional ability to convey profound emotions and their deep-rooted connection to music. Their unique interpretation transforms a mid-show inspiration into a groundbreaking track that expands the emotional spectrum of one of the most iconic songs of all time.