There’s something strangely ubiquitous about The Boss. Springsteen’s working-class ethic and open-ended, anthemic chord progressions have paved the way for interesting interpretations of his work. And NYC artist D’Arcy has taken his hit “Dancing In The Dark” and given it an “age of influence” makeover.
D’Arcy deconstructs Springsteen’s enduring hit into something soft and somber, but with that same longing and determination. Rather than the driving beats and thick synths of the original, timid electric piano and reverb-drenched vocals provide an atmospheric lilt. Sparse, crushed percussion enters in the second verse, providing a heartbeat-style rhythm. This cover is human, yet cold. Simultaneously intimate and distant. It’s a balance that can only be struck by an amazing performer.
In the video, D’Arcy explores the song’s sci-fi possibilities. I’m not talking sci-fi as in Bladerunner or Dune. But, that Black Mirror speculative fiction style. The world of D’Arcy’s video is eerily close to our own, and yet maybe a little ahead. There’s strange balloon filled rooms and mannequin-lined hallways. Springsteen songs, especially in the post Born to Run era, are pretty cinematic, and D’Arcy capitalizes on that in this video.
Not only is this a great sonic reinterpretation of a beloved song, but the accompanying video is cool as hell. D’Arcy was able to keep the original spirit of the song while painting with a different palette. Emily Dickinson said, “Tell all the truth but tell it slant.” And D’Arcy did just that with this 80s classic.
