Back in November, “nightmare pop” duo Bent Denim revealed plans to release a covers EP in early 2015, beginning with a “dark and almost threatening” version of Angel Olsen’s “Unf–ktheworld”.

The second single from the EP premiered just before Christmas — a melancholic cover of Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off.” Bent Denim have turned Swift’s danceable, uplifting pop gem on its head, exposing and inflating the subtle anxieties of the song. Swift’s radio hit now sounds like an early Bright Eyes / Mike Mogus production or like a b-side from Sea Change.

On January 27th, Bent Denim will release the ‘Derivative Works’ EP.

Epistolary earned the band an official showcase at SXSW, a set at BUKU Music + Art Festival, and an opening slot on Young & Sick’s headlining US national tour. The band, currently based in both New Orleans and Nashville, just returned from tour to complete work on their debut LP — to be released in Spring 2015.