Air-Ik “Call Me”

If you’re familiar with Blondie’s iconic “Call Me,” you wouldn’t want to miss Air-Ik’s rendition of the song. It’s pretty impressive how much he could channel from the existing song, taking an entirely different artistic direction. Air-Ik feels like a silent screaming slow-burn in a cinematic darker atmosphere.

Thinking of blues meets Kurt Cobain meets Blondie. Even if you’re not entirely familiar with the band or the song, Air-Ik is creating quite a vibe in “Call Me.” From the suppressive whispers, growing into a hysterical scream, Air-Ik paints a very emotive and intensive journey. The image of decay and shrivel meets the lonesome road of traveling alone.

Air-Ik slowed down the temple and explored the darker whispers that already lived in the song. It’s done in such an embrace that feels almost liberating. He brings the ghosts out in his rendition, blown in the wind, yet still somehow exist in the surroundings. The deep drop of electric guitar eerily lurks in the background; the punchy percussions is metallic and hard-hitting; the vocals are expressive and extreme — everything is stretched to the fullest, with no hesitation and reservation.

Scrolling down Air-Ik’s song catalogue, the artist’s own songwriting is just as impressive as his cover song. Anthemic hooks and captivating melodies in a heavy metal sort of rational, irrational extreme. In the 90s and early 2000s, Air-Ik was known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of metal band Willow Wisp. Later in his personal pursuit, more aspects of rock and metal are being explored.