Australian alt-country standout Bud Rokesky has dropped a striking reinterpretation of Joy Division’s Love Will Tear Us Apart, his second release following October’s Hey Now. Rokesky’s version swaps the post-punk urgency of the original for something quieter but equally devastating.
Built on soft nylon-string guitar, piano and a hazy, atmospheric vibe, the track slows everything down and lets Rokesky’s voice do all the heavy lifting. "Love Will Tear Us Apart is one of those songs that never ages. It’s honest and undeniable. I wanted to strip it back to let it sit heavy between beauty and ruin."
The new single continues a prolific run for Rokesky, who spent early 2024 releasing a series of A-Side/B-Side tracks spanning country, alt-folk and alt-rock. Songs like Runaway, She Flies, Oil Onto the Fire and Beer Number 5 have expanded his sonic palette while building momentum toward a new creative era.
That wave followed the success of his 2023 debut album Outsider, recorded with Matt Corby and Alex Henriksson at Rainbow Valley Studios. The record earned strong radio support and critical praise, comparing Rokesky to artists such as Orville Peck, Marlon Williams and Townes Van Zandt.
Rokesky has also become a steady presence on stages across Australia, supporting international and local heavyweights including Cedric Burnside, C.W. Stoneking, Corby, Deacon Blue and Meg Washington.
His growing festival résumé spans Bluesfest, Gympie Music Muster, Groundwater, Woodford Folk Festival, BIGSOUND and Tamworth CMF, alongside headline shows in major cities. With Love Will Tear Us Apart he continues to refine his reputation as one of Australia’s most compelling new storytellers, reimagining a timeless classic while carving a clear path of his own.
Countrytown brings you Australia’s best country music news, interviews, charts and more every week! This post was authored by Countrytown and originally published on the Countrytown website. It has been re-published with permission.
