Taking on a classic like Can’s ‘Vitamin C’, which is essentially revered by krautrock lovers for its mesmerising simplicity, requires a certain amount of daring. But Jordan McLean’s Musical Resistance (JMMR) reinvent it in a way that is both revolutionary and reverent. Their interpretation is vibrant, dramatic, and completely contagious because of its horn-driven, rhythm-heavy revamp.

The song begins with a pulse that evokes the original’s motorik drive before swiftly developing into something more vibrant and relatable. Around McLean’s elaborate horn arrangements, Smoota’s trombone, Tony Jarvis’ bass clarinet, John Bollinger’s drums, and Ricardo Quinones’ electric guitar weave together to create a multi-layered soundscape that straddles the boundaries of electro, rock and psychedelic jazz.

JMMR’s ‘Vitamin C’ thrives on progression, whereas Can’s version flourishes on unadulterated repetition. Every part is purposefully built, with the beat advancing with joyous defiance and the brass rising like a revolt. It’s a cover that changes rather than replicates. Vitamin C is the second track from JMMR’s upcoming first album, Resistance is Fertile. The album combines live improvisation with synthetic sounds to create a futuristic “electrobeat” sound, one that is based on exploration and rhythm.

Jordan McLean, trumpeter, composer, and arranger with Antibalas, created the collective known as JMMR, or Jordan McLean’s Musical Resistance. Legends such as David Byrne, Patti LaBelle, Tony Allen, TV on the Radio, and The Roots have all collaborated with JMMR members. Together, they create a musical movement that combines resistance, rhythm, and creativity to create music that defies darkness.

Take a listen now.