St. Divine Unearths a Punk Gem: “We Had Love” – A Testament to Legacy and Raw Reinvention, Amplified
From the fertile musical soil of the American South, a region steeped in blues, country, and a certain rebellious spirit, transplanted and hybridized in the gritty urban landscape of New York City, a metropolis that has long served as an incubator for groundbreaking sounds, emerges St. Divine, a sonic entity forged in the crucible of shared passion and unwavering artistic vision. Founded in the pivotal year of 2024 by the formidable and creatively intertwined duo of Will Croxton and Judy Ann Nock, whose paths first, serendipitously, intertwined as backup vocalists for the esteemed and influential guitarist Ivan Julian, St. Divine is not content with the comfortable confines of simple genre adherence or predictable sonic pathways.
Instead, this dynamic five-piece collective, powerfully fronted by the compelling and often contrasting vocal synergy of Judy and Will, fearlessly traverses the rich and often unpredictable sonic terrain where the heartfelt narratives and melancholic melodies of Americana’s heartland harmonies collide head-on with the raw, untamed energy and defiant attitude of punk rock. All underpinned by the visceral punch and unwavering intensity of classic rock. Imagine the dusty highways and dimly lit juke joints of the Deep South imbued with the restless spirit and urgent, forward-moving pulse of the concrete jungle – this is the uniquely intoxicating and sonically adventurous tapestry that St. Divine masterfully weaves.
Now, in a move that speaks volumes about their artistic breadth and willingness to explore unexpected sonic territories, St. Divine throws a captivating and thought-provoking curveball with their latest single, a daring and utterly compelling reimagining of The Scientists‘ seminal 1986 track, “We Had Love.” This isn’t your run-of-the-mill, karaoke-esque paint-by-numbers cover version; it’s a profound and deeply considered act of musical archaeology, a meticulous “uncovering” that breathes vibrant new life and contemporary relevance into a punk-era classic while simultaneously and respectfully honoring its foundational spirit and inherent raw power.
In a poignant and deeply felt moment, this release takes on an added layer of profound significance and emotional weight with the recent and deeply saddening passing of The Scientists‘ influential and integral drummer, Leanne Cowie. St. Divine‘s powerful and distinctive rendition of “We Had Love” stands not only as a compelling musical statement but also as a heartfelt and sincere testament to the enduring legacy of true punk pioneers. A genuine and deeply felt homage from a band that clearly recognizes and appreciates the profound impact of their raw innovation and uncompromising artistic vision on the landscape of modern music.
Featuring the core and captivating dynamism of Will Croxton on both lead vocals and guitar, and Judy Ann Nock lending her uniquely textured and emotionally resonant vocal prowess, St. Divine’s invigorated version of “We Had Love” is further amplified and enriched by the formidable and tightly knit talents of Mike Ratti on drums, providing a driving and propulsive rhythmic backbone. Al Maddy on guitars, layers both sonic muscle and intricate textures, Jesse Barnes firmly lays down the deep and resonant bass foundation, and a surprising yet undeniably inspired and sonically enriching addition: the saxophone stylings of the exceptionally talented Nikki D’Agostino.
These unexpected instrumental layers inject a truly unique and captivating texture into the established punk rock framework, adding a shimmering, almost noir-ish and sophisticated quality to the overall sonic landscape, creating a fascinating juxtaposition with the raw energy of the guitars and drums. While the fundamental essence and underlying musical sensibilities of The Scientists‘ original composition remain respectfully acknowledged and carefully considered, St. Divine masterfully and confidently injects their own distinct and multifaceted sonic DNA into the track, transforming it into something both familiar and strikingly new.
The resulting sonic alchemy is a more kinetically charged and melodically nuanced arrangement, one that skillfully sacrifices absolutely none of the original’s inherent raw grit, brooding intensity, and palpable sense of underlying aggression. The guitars are undeniably pumped up and pushed to the forefront, delivering a relentless and exhilarating barrage of powerful chords, and angular riffs, while the intriguing psychedelic flourishes add an unexpected and deeply rewarding layer of sonic depth, atmospheric intrigue, and sophisticated musicality. This is far from being just a simple cover; it’s a bombastic and immersive sonic feast, a relentlessly powerful and intensely engaging experience that grabs you firmly by the throat from the opening note and absolutely refuses to let go until the final, echoing reverberation fades into silence.
Lyrically, “We Had Love” remains a stark and powerfully emotionally resonant reflection on the complexities of lost affection and the often surprising and hard-won resilience that can ultimately emerge in its aftermath. Raw and honest lines like “There was a time when, I would of cried, would of cut me up inside, Now I’m not bothered at all, in fact I’m walking tall” speak volumes about the difficult journey from the depths of raw heartbreak and emotional vulnerability to a newfound and hard-earned sense of self-possession and inner strength.
The stark and recurring refrain, “We had love, we had love, we had love, what a waste,” carries a significant weight of past regret and perhaps even a touch of lingering bitterness. Yet it’s delivered with a defiant and almost cathartic edge in St. Divine‘s compelling interpretation, powerfully underscoring the multifaceted and often contradictory emotions inherent in the act of looking back at a significant relationship that has ultimately faded into memory. The distinctive addition of Judy and Will‘s dynamic vocal interplay further elevates this intricate emotional landscape, their voices sometimes intertwining in melancholic harmony and at other times clashing with a raw, almost confrontational energy, perfectly mirroring the push and pull, the ebb and flow, of the complex and ultimately unsustainable love that the poignant lyrics so effectively describe.
St. Divine’s bold and inventive rendition of “We Had Love” is demonstrably more than just a stand-alone single; it serves as a powerful and undeniable statement of intent. It’s a clear declaration of their fearless and boundary-pushing artistic approach, their remarkable ability to seamlessly and effectively blend seemingly disparate musical influences into a cohesive, compelling, and utterly unique sonic identity. It’s a respectful and deeply felt nod to the enduring legacy of the true giants of punk rock while simultaneously and confidently carving out their own distinct and increasingly significant identity within the vibrant and ever-evolving contemporary music scene.
This insightful and powerfully executed “uncovering” of a punk classic is certainly not just a nostalgic or purely academic exercise. It’s a vibrant, visceral, and utterly vital reimagining that will undoubtedly resonate deeply with both long-time and dedicated fans of The Scientists and an entirely new generation of discerning listeners who are eagerly searching for music with genuine substance, raw emotional honesty, undeniable grit, and a healthy and exhilarating dose of bold artistic innovation. Keep your ears and your minds wide open – St. Divine is not just a fleeting presence; they are here to stay, and their compelling and unforgettable rendition of “We Had Love” is undoubtedly just the beginning of what promises to be a long and captivating sonic journey.
