"Round the Bend" - Zoon (Beck cover)

My favorite album of Beck's has long been "Sea Change," for approximately the 20 or so years it's been out. I would probably regard it as one of my personal favorite records, for its wistfulness and its beauty. When I heard about Zoon (aka Zoongide’ewin) - the musical project of Daniel Monkman - covering the "Sea Change" track "Round the Bend," I was somewhat skeptical simply because the album holds such a place in my heart. Now, prior to hearing about this cover, I wasn't so familiar with the work of Zoon. And now, I've got to say, in my best Owen Wilson - Wow. 

Apparently we both hold the 2003 Beck album in high esteem. Said Daniel about "Sea Change," "After my first listen I was so moved and at the time I was going through a pretty bad break up and this album helped me process my depression. Throughout my time away from music I’d always have a copy beside me; it kept inspiring me that I could try any kind of music style. I chose “Round The Bend" because it was like a contemporary Nick Drake song."

Daniel's cover of "Round the Bend" upholds the gorgeousness of the original while managing to increase the haunting quality of the song. This version feels less sad, but more melancholic (if that makes any sense). More like the B-side of some strange intoxicating dream. Have a listen:

After hearing Zoon's take on "Round the Bend," I listened to some of his other music. If you're a fan of shoegaze, I would suggest checking out his debut album from 2020, "Bleached Waves." The album was extremely well received, and with good reason. Below is the title track off that album: 

Zoon's an artist to watch. "Bleached Waves" was "a record intentionally shaped upon his [Daniel Monkman's] deep love of Shoegaze (notably My Bloody Valentine) merged with his Ojibway heritage and upbringing." His musical journey hasn't been exactly an easy one for Daniel; he was born and raised in a small prison town outside of Winnipeg - Selkirk, Manitoba. Growing up, he was victimized for his First Nations heritage, which would eventually lead to the route of addiction. Eventually - after more hardships, like his best friend ODing and some near misses himself - Daniel got clean, with the help of spiritual guidance from 12-step therapy. From here, he rediscovered music, and the path that would take him to Zoon.