Nouvelle Vague’s Marc Collin and chanteuse Chrystabell, collaborating as Strange As Angels, have collaborated on a video for another classic by The Cure—this time, it’s the beloved “Lullaby”, from 1989’s Disintegration.
In this reimagining of the song, Chrystabell delivers the song as a seductive whisper, which in this version could be interpreted as the general intrigue or paranoia of the femme existence, pure lust…or revenge. The spider-woman is hungry and ready to devour her prey.
The accompanying video, directed by François Nemeta and produced by SUPERETTE, sees Marc Collin step into the role of umbrella-clutching spy John Steed, while statuesque Chrystabell embodies the spirit (and leather catsuit) of Emma Peel from the 1960s cult British classic, The Avengers.
Shadow play and Hitchcockian credits swoop over the scenes, creating a title sequence for the James Bond/Robert Smith crossover of our fever dreams. It’s sinister and playfully sexy (see: champagne bottle), but also serves as a solid PSA warning us to keep an eye on your drink – you never know what might slip into it. Is the video itself the protagonist’s hallucination from a being drugged by a supervillain?
Reinterpreting The Cure is a daunting task, but Marc Collin’s an expert at it, having reimagined everything from Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart” to Tuxedo Moon’s “In A Manner of Speaking”, as charming 60s-style yé-yé chansons with Nouvelle Vague. Teaming up with Chrystabell was a stroke of genius for both artists.
“I know for many these are considered sacred materials,” Chrystabell says about reinterpreting The Cure. “This wade into holy waters was not taken lightly, as these songs still elicit powerful and significant life-moment associations for so many.”
Chrystabell is a familiar face for fans of David Lynch: she made a memorable mark in her role as Agent Tammy Preston in Twin Peaks: The Return. She has worked with Lynch for the past two decades, collaborating on various music projects. She recently released her stunning album Midnight Star, out now.
Watch the video for Strange as Angel’s captivating version of “Lullaby” below:
A deluxe edition of Strange as Angels is set for release on February 25th, 2022, with 3 bonus tracks including the single “Close to Me”.
You can stream the Strange As Angels’ version of “Lullaby” at your choice of services here, out now via Collins’ own Kwaidan Records.
Order Strange As Angels on vinyl here.
Strange As Angels are also scheduled to perform in London with Nouvelle Vague on February 28th at Union Chapel.
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