Allegories Breathe New Life Into a Classic Pop Anthem

Experimental indie-pop duo Allegories have ventured into new territory with their first-ever cover, taking on Talk Talk’s legendary track It’s My Life. Known for their innovative approach to music, Allegories—comprised of Adam Bentley and Jordan Mitchell—bring their unique blend of artistry to the iconic song, originally performed by the late Mark Hollis and his groundbreaking band. With equal parts reverence and reinvention, Allegories transform the classic hit into something distinctly their own.

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For Bentley, the journey to embracing It’s My Life was a reluctant one. Having endured No Doubt’s popular cover of the song during his years working at a hardware store, Bentley had developed an aversion to the track. “I was forced to listen to that version almost every day for five years,” he recalls. The overexposure left him skeptical of the original, despite Talk Talk’s reputation as trailblazers in experimental pop.

The turning point came when Mitchell found himself grappling with what he jokingly refers to as “stuck song syndrome,” a condition that left It’s My Life echoing in his head for two months. Rather than resisting it, Mitchell decided to channel the persistent melody into something productive. He began learning and recording the song, eventually encouraging Bentley to revisit the track with fresh ears.

“The urgency in Mark Hollis’ vocals struck me this time around,” says Bentley. “By covering the song, I felt like I was taken back to a place of admiration and passion—away from Gwen Stefani. Keep Talk Talk away from Gwen at all costs.”

What emerged from their efforts is an impassioned and deeply atmospheric rendition of It’s My Life. Allegories’ version remains faithful to the original, preserving its climbing bassline and steady rhythmic pulse, while layering it with their signature sound. Mitchell’s synth-laden production creates a shimmering, otherworldly quality, and Bentley’s heartfelt vocals channel the emotional intensity of Hollis, paying tribute to his legacy.

“I thought it might be therapeutic to learn this song,” Mitchell shares. “Recording the music came pretty easily after every part had been playing over and over in my head for so many months.”

This balance of respect for the source material and creative exploration is evident throughout Allegories’ interpretation. While the foundation of the song stays true to Talk Talk’s vision, subtle production choices—ethereal effects, textured synths, and a modern indie-pop sensibility—infuse it with new life.

The project also serves as a testament to the duo’s collaborative dynamic. Mitchell’s meticulous production skills and Bentley’s emotive delivery come together seamlessly, capturing the essence of the original while pushing it into uncharted territory.

For Allegories, this cover is more than just a nod to one of their musical inspirations; it’s a reflection of their own artistic evolution. Known for a string of original singles that blend experimentalism with pop accessibility, the duo approaches It’s My Life with the same boundary-pushing ethos that defines their work.

The decision to cover Talk Talk—a band renowned for defying conventions and pushing the limits of pop music—feels like a natural extension of Allegories’ creative mission. In embracing It’s My Life, Bentley and Mitchell pay homage to a group whose influence continues to resonate across generations, while adding their own voice to the conversation.

With this release, Allegories invite listeners to reconsider a classic through their lens, offering a fresh perspective on a song that has long been a staple of pop culture. It’s an invitation to rediscover the emotional core of It’s My Life, free from the baggage of past interpretations, and to experience it anew through the duo’s inspired reinterpretation.

As Allegories continue to carve out their place in the indie music landscape, their take on It’s My Life stands as a powerful example of their ability to bridge the gap between homage and innovation. It’s not just a cover—it’s a reimagining, one that breathes fresh air into a timeless piece of music while showcasing the duo’s own artistic identity.