Rare Elements release a stirring, evocative remake – ‘Fields of Joy (Cover Version)’

The track was first performed by The New York Rock & Roll Ensemble in 1971 and later glamorized by the one & only Lenny Kravitz in the early ’90s. Now, it’s back with a sharp new artistic direction, one that honors the original while also reinventing it aplenty.

The London-based duo Rare Element—Hedge Seel (drums) and Jerry Kandiah (guitar/vocals), known for their work with alternative pioneers Tribazik, carefully weave together acoustic textures, ambient electronics, and detailed synth work, resulting in a Massive Attack-esque trip-hop/rock hybrid.

Opening with mystical, melancholic guitar lines, we’re introduced to gentle, angelic vocals from Britt Foe. It’s hypnotizing and meditative and explores a sensuality unexplored in previous covers. The track slides forward with snake-like grace and majesty. Urgent percussions build tension really well, before the track explodes to life with immersive, lively rock arrangements

It all leads to an epic guitar solo from Gus Robertson (ex-Razorlight), blistering and brilliant, before the tracks reverts back to the starting meditative tempo and vocals. It concludes in hazy fashion with Britt’s vocals fading out. It the kind of ending that draws the listener into silent contemplation.

Despite all the modern fireworks, the track retains the original’s groovy essence, a blissed-out escape into nature and love, as captured in the lyric:
“I touch the leaves, I touch the sky, just you and I, through fields of joy.”

Ultimately, this track is a gold standard in how do remakes with panache and personality. Its shines with character, expertise and deeply moving instrumentation and vocals. Listeners of psychedelic rock, rejoice!

Stream “Rare Element – Fields of Joy (Cover Version)” on Spotify here: