When They Riot’s Haunting Reinvention of Nirvana’s Softest Song Is Turning Heads
Leeds-based alt-rock insurgents When They Riot ignite a powder keg of distortion, attitude, and restless imagination with their latest release, Covers, a ferocious reimagining of era-defining tracks that shaped the DNA of alternative music. Rather than simply mimic the originals, the band surgically dismantles and rebuilds each song through their own sonic lens, erupting with a sound that fuses grunge abrasion, hard rock muscle, and a raw emotional voltage that refuses to sit quietly.
Covers is not nostalgia, it’s resurrection with teeth. Pendulum’s Propane Nightmares is reborn with explosive guitar-driven urgency, transforming the electronic-drum-and-bass cornerstone into a snarling, full-throttle rock assault. Their take on Green Day’s Brain Stew drags the track into a darker, more suffocating dimension, haunting vocals, grimy distortion, and oppressive atmosphere amplify the original’s anxiety into something almost feral. And with Again by Alice in Chains, When They Riot deliver a spine-crushing homage to the architects of grunge, preserving the song’s bleak heaviness while injecting their own volatile edge.
Covers isn’t just a tribute, it's a declaration. When They Riot aren’t bowing to their influences; they’re standing shoulder-to-shoulder with them, ripping open the floorboards of the past to build something louder, bolder, and entirely their own.
Biography
One of the defining characteristics of Austin Mulka's music is its genre-hopping nature, with each release taking a different sonic direction. From pop to rock, electronic to folk, Mulka has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt and experiment with various styles, making each release a unique listening experience.
Despite genre-shifting, there is a distinctiveness to Mulka's sound that transcends genre boundaries. His music is characterized by infectious hooks, a generational voice, dynamic instrumentation, and memorable melodies, all of which showcase Mulka's songwriting prowess and ability to connect with audiences.Yet, it is more than just his musical talent that captivates audiences attention.
Austin is also a masterful storyteller, weaving intricate narratives and exploring the complexities of the human experience with raw honesty and vulnerability. His lyrics are a reflection of his unique perspective and personal journey, delving into themes of existential dread, love, loss, and self-discovery with a depth and nuance that is rare in modern music.
