Kevin Abstract Covers Q Lazzarus' 'Goodbye Horses' For Like A Version

triple j
triple jMar 24, 2026

Why It Matters

By reimagining a 1980s cult hit, Kevin Abstract demonstrates how genre fluidity can revitalize legacy tracks, attracting new listeners and reinforcing the commercial value of cross‑genre covers.

Key Takeaways

  • Kevin Abstract reinterprets “Goodbye Horses” with indie‑pop flair
  • Cover performed on Triple J’s “Like a Version” platform
  • Arrangement blends acoustic guitars and synth textures, modernizing original
  • Audience response highlights nostalgia and fresh emotional resonance
  • Performance showcases Abstract’s genre‑bending versatility and expanding fanbase

Summary

Australian radio program Triple J’s ‘Like a Version’ featured Kevin Abstract’s cover of Q Lazzarus’s 1988 cult classic ‘Goodbye Horses.’ The indie‑rap artist stepped out of his usual hip‑hop palette to reinterpret the eerie, synth‑driven track for a live studio audience.

Abstract stripped the original’s stark electronic backdrop, replacing it with layered acoustic guitars, subtle synth pads, and a slower tempo that foregrounds his melodic falsetto. The lyrical delivery retains the song’s cryptic refrain while injecting a more introspective tone, underscoring the artist’s willingness to experiment with genre conventions.

During the performance, Abstract paused to acknowledge the song’s legacy, noting its use in films like ‘The Silence of the Lambs.’ Viewers on social media highlighted moments where his vocal harmonies echoed the original’s haunting quality, yet felt fresh enough to merit repeat listens.

The cover signals a broader trend of hip‑hop‑adjacent artists embracing alternative rock canon, expanding their demographic reach and reinforcing Triple J’s role as a cultural bridge. For Kevin Abstract, the successful rendition may open doors to further cross‑genre collaborations and solidify his reputation as a versatile songwriter.

Original Description

Kevin Abstract covers Q Lazzarus' 'Goodbye Horses' for triple j's Like A Version.
Like A Version on Music Streaming: http://abcmusic.lnk.to/LAVplaylist
Like A Version is a segment on Australian radio station triple j. Every week a musician or band performs one of their own songs and cover a song they love.
Production Credits
Senior Producer, Video: Brandon Lung
Senior Producer, Live Music: Greg Wales
Senior Producer, triple j: Max Lavergne
Video Producers: Oliver Quirk, Jed Nielsen, Claudine Ocampo, Katelyn Clark
Assistant Video Producer: Alexandra Sutcliffe
Live Music Producer: Eileen McDonald Sparks
Audio Engineer: Kieran Bowdidge
Assistant Audio Engineer: Ben Northmore
Executive Producer, Video: Jess Hallay
Executive Producer, Live Music: Cameron McCauley
Executive Producer, Digital: Amelia Rounds
Senior Legal Advisor: Sun Hoon
Business Affairs: Julia Kosky
Digital Manager, triple j: Emma Gibbs
Music Director, triple j: Claire Mooney
Manager, Music Programming: Nick Findlay
Head of triple j, Double J and Country: Lachlan Macara
#LikeAVersion

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