Arn-Identified Flying Objects and Alien Friends from Stockholm present a fascinating cover of the Elvis Presley hit ‘Summer Kisses, Winter Tears’ that pays tribute to its original version yet also brings their artistry into it.
Written by Ben Weisman, Fred Wise and Jack Lloyd ‘Summer Kisses Winter Tears’ is about the transient nature of love that Elvis sings in his version. Mixing realness, the combination of country stories and alt-rock ideas makes the storytelling more interesting and different. The characteristic feature of this version is its deliberate tempo, which slightly slowed down becomes a melancholic ballad with an emotionally charged sound.
The chorus climbs with sweet intensity, exceeding even the King’s version; minor synth and strings lines enhance it by creating more emotional layers that enrich the sound. The bass and drums act as a background throughout the song, supporting it in an elegant way without drowning its finesse.
One thing I admire about this is how the guitar was played; the guitar work has a retro feel to it with gentle picking and tremolo effect that takes you back in time. When the vocals come in, they evoke Roy Orbison’s essence as he sings with soulful openness. The singer’s performance flows softly through the emotional dimension of music, and stays with us long after.
In essence, Arn-Identified Flying Objects and Alien Friends have created a version that pays tribute to Elvis while demonstrating their musical talent. Their rendition of ‘Summer Kisses, Winter Tears’ is a journey through love and yearning that listeners are asked to walk alongside them.
Stream below.
