The Unfinished Story Finds the Sorrow of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” on New Acoustic Cover of Nirvana’s Classic Song

He may have started just 10 years ago, but with over 25 years’ worth of experience behind him, The Unfinished Story is a fully formed musician. “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” his latest single/cover of Nirvana’s breakout hit, brings him back to his early years when he began singing and playing music at 15. Inspired by Florence + The Machine’s acoustic cover of “Just a Girl” by No Doubt, The Unfinished Story, the project of Connecticut singer-songwriter G.P., felt compelled to dig through his old CD pile in search of a similarly rousing 90s classic to cover.

That’s when Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” emerged, presenting a tricky challenge to G.P. over how he would tackle the song. “What would it look like to take a song that literally changed the music landscape and configure it into a version that fit my singer-songwriter style,” G.P. asked himself. “The result was what I think is kind of a unique take on a classic song.”

Although “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is known for its raging, ruckus-stirring energy, The Unfinished Story’s cover places emphasis on Kurt Cobain’s lyrics and how his venturing into dark emotional spaces distinguished him from contemporaries. G.P.’s shaky voice is a fitting substitution for Cobain’s gutsy vocals, carried delicately by the piano playing throughout.

As the song progresses, G.P. builds upon the stripped-down acoustic foundation and incorporates handbells reminiscent of church bells, a contribution courtesy of musician Austin James. From the production to G.P.’s voice, there’s no question he understands the song inside and out, looking past the aggressiveness of the original and instead bringing the profound darkness buried underneath melodies instantly familiar to most.

ARTISTS YOU SHOULD KNOW

BEST NEW MUSIC

Unlike the iconic music video for “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” which takes place in a rowdy school auditorium, G.P. opted to use more haunting visuals for his interpretation. Featuring 3D graphics by G.P. himself, who also doubled as editor, the visuals show a lone stuffed animal watching the end of the world through a TV. While the guitar falls to the background to give the songwriting more weight, the music video accompanies the, at times, esoteric lyrics, revealing another angle to a track already analyzed beyond belief.

Music may have started off as a hobby for G.P., but his interpretation of classic records and original recordings across his two EPs show he has a lot to offer. Considering he’s already proven himself from his own material, not to mention the fact that he releases music independently, there’s much to look forward to in his career.

Words: David Sosa

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” by The Unfinished Story is out now on all streaming services. For more on new music and potential shows, follow him on Instagram, Bandcamp, and his website.