Indie pop quartet Orange & Lemons marks the season of romance with a fresh take on The Carpenters’ timeless classic, “Close To You.”
Released just in time for Valentine’s Day, the band’s cover adds a modern twist to the iconic track while preserving its emotional essence.
The remake of “Close To You” features subtle upgrades and embellishments from their usual live version.
Clem Castro, the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, recalls the origins of the cover, which dates back to 1999 when the Bulacan-based group was preparing material for their debut album, Love In the Land of Rubber Shoes & Dirty Ice Cream. He explains, “I was inspired to create a cover version for live gigs and challenged ourselves to integrate our own sound. It has been a staple on our setlist ever since. On top of that, I am a huge fan of Burt Bacharach.”
According to Clem, one of the key distinctions from the original version is the absence of transposition, setting this cover apart from others. The band reinterprets “Close To You” with keyboard elements that enhance the track’s melodic appeal.
“The guitar solo, rolling bass lines, and drum pattern are distinctly O&L,” Clem adds. “The build-up at the end was an eargasm for us. It’s safe to say this version is infinitely different from any other you can find on streaming sites.”
In addition to the release of “Close To You,” the Hanggang Kailan hitmakers are gearing up for an international tour. The band will visit five cities across Asia and North America, bringing their beloved hits, fresh tracks, and rarities to fans worldwide.
- March 2 – Singapore
- May 30 – Toronto, Canada
- May 31 – New York, USA
- June 6 – San Francisco, USA
- June 7 – Los Angeles, USA
Orange & Lemons’ “Close To You” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Lily Stars Records.
