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Live Review: Genesis Owusu proves once again he is a class above with Sex Pistols Like A Version

26 February 2021 | 1:03 pm | Emma Jones

Genesis Owusu has delivered a powerful performance for his first ever Like A Version, taking on an iconic punk anthem from The Sex Pistols.

With his debut album, Smiling With No Teeth, out in the world next Friday, March 5th, Genesis Owusu has once again shown he is in an entire league of his own with his incendiary Like A Version. Taking on 'Anarchy In The UK' by The Sex Pistols, he channeled his artistic vision and expertise as well as his formidable abilities in a live setting to deliver one of the best covers the segment has ever seen.

Bringing the iconic punk anthem into 2021 and closer to home, Owusu didn't waste the opportunity on the national stage to inject some of his own personal perspectives into the mix. Changing up lyrics such as “Still celebrating deaths of my First Nations pals, all because of some old fuckers in a parliament house," he referenced colonisation, police brutality and racism in just a couple of minutes.

Joined by Kirin J. Callinan, Jonti, Touch Sensitive, Julian Sudek of World Champion and his own manager, this all-star band helped bring the song to life even more. He also performed his exceptional single 'Don't Need You', shaking it up and adding some extra flair to fit with the high energy Like A Version.

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In a behind the scenes interview, he explained his thinking behind the cover, saying he was inspired by the events of 2020 and his own experiences, and felt the need to deliver the punk song in its purest form.

“Being a black man in Western civilisation, I feel like we’re constantly wronged and then expected to be the bigger man or the educators and stuff like that and the feelings of rage are invalidated. I feel like those feeling are extremely valid and should be allowed to be exercised," he said.

Smiling With No Teeth is out via Ourness March 5th. He's also heading out on tour to celebrate its release. Check the details below.

SMILING WITH NO TEETH ALBUM TOUR

PRESENTED BY HANDSOME TOURS & ASTRAL PEOPLE, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NICHE & OURNESS

Fri 9 April – The Triffid, Brisbane QLD

Sat 10 April – Solbar, Sunshine Coast QLD

Fri 16 April – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney NSW

Sat 17 April – UC Hub, Canberra ACT

Fri 23 April – Corner Hotel, Melbourne VIC

Sat 24 April – Republic Bar, Hobart TAS

Thurs 29 April – Mojo’s Bar, Fremantle WA

Fri 30 April – The Rosemount Hotel, Perth WA

Sat 1 May – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide SA

Words by Emma Jones

Image via triple j/YouTube

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