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Photo: Razy Fauori

Genre-bending indie rebel Eyedress is changing the game for releases. Instead of just one version of his newest single, “Escape From the Killer,” the artist has put out two versions of the track stylized to different eras of music, creating two complementary yet completely distinct vibes.

The 2008 version of “Escape From the Killer” is a kaleidoscopic track, full of lively arrangement details. Eyedress starts with jazzy, acoustic guitar chords before adding a danceable electronic beat and syncopated synth keys. The star of this track is the lower vocal harmony that’s included. It’s mournful and moody and adds such a rich counterpart to the lead melody.

“Escape From the Killer 2008” is accompanied by an equally vibrant music video, featuring sunflowers with human faces and coffee mugs that walk on two legs. Listeners get to witness an animated Eyedress fleeing from a lizard-like villain through the depths of his dreamscape, passing through flashes of trippy scenes. It’s a quirky pairing to the song, fitting its Y2K indie pop vibe perfectly.

Personally, I favor Eyedress’ 1994 version. It leans into the angst of “Escape From the Killer,” grounded with a bold synth bass while also draping the ethereal vocals in layers of velvety guitars and textural synths. The chorus washes over me in a wave of lush sound that I find myself missing in the 2008 version. The 1994 arrangement feels more cinematic with the organic feel of the drums and the wailing of the guitars as they build. But, to each their own—us listeners don’t usually get to pick and choose from versions of our favorite song, so Eyedress is spoiling us with these options.

Take a listen to both versions; are you dancing to the production of 2008 or leaning into the grunge of 1994?

Listen to "Escape From the Killer" below: