photo courtesy of HYPR Communications

Single Review of Kill Shelter: “She’s in Parties”

Kill Shelter is UK artist, DJ, and producer Pete Burns. The song “She’s in Parties” was originally recorded when Kill Shelter was asked by Unknown Pleasures Records to record a Bauhaus song to appear on the Honoris III compilation, which was released in 2022. Pete Burns (vocals, guitars, synths, programming) was joined on the recording by Alan “Lord Hagos” Haggarty (bass) and Lynsey Burns (backing vocals). More recently – early last year – Kill Shelter released a “She’s in Parties” as a single with a music video featuring model DJ MAUS.

image courtesy of HYPR Communications

I was, of course, not a goth kid, so I was unfamiliar with the original. I also tend to enjoy modern updates of songs, even longtime favorites – at least, when they’re juiced up rather than blandified (I’m looking at you with that comment, pop music). Well, Kill Shelter adds a lot of character and energy to this cover. The staticky, thumping distortion that rhythmically served as the beat was energetic and catchy. Pete’s vocals played it straight, with a very matter-of-fact delivery augmented by reverbing echoes. This just feels like one of those club tunes you get up to dance to, then realize the beat isn’t really made for dancing, but the song’s so cool you just stand there swaying, enjoying the three or four minutes.

photo courtesy of HYPR Communications

If you’re a longtime blog reader, the band I’ve reviewed that most reminds me of this recording would be The Sweetest Condition, but only insomuch as I might book them at the same event because TSC’s music was largely danceable industrial music, whereas Kill Shelter’s cover of “She’s in Parties” is an echoing, beat-driven, post-goth experience. I’m thinking this updated rendition of “She’s in Parties” would find footing with an exceptionally large swath of music fans. At the very least, I guarantee it’s worth a listen, so please, dear readers, go give it one.