Back in 2018, The 1984 Draft released an album that thwarted senses and surprised most with its heartfelt emotion and savage honesty that strayed away from any local pocket scenes or even fit within industry standards. Make Good Choices (Poptek Records) is an album that made a number of year-end lists, and as we fast-forward three years later, it’s obviously standing the test of time.

Today the band takes a rather different approach to its music, enlisting Gordon Withers (The Bells, J. Robbins Band, Jawbox) for the “Honest (Cello Mix).” While this may not be a remix, Withers, who has cut his teeth within both the independent scene, reworking entire albums by groups like Jawbreaker, Jawbox, and the Joy Formidable, working his magic here using his cello to recreate The 1984 Draft’s song utilizing his one and only instrument. The melody and mood remain the same, sans shifting dynamics instead enhancing it with crescendos and decrescendos all the while giving an interpretation that’s all Gordon Withers. As a cellist, we can all understand why he is so sought after, with a skill that’s remarkable. The knack Withers has for imbuing bursts of pop melodies with his strings is evident.

All profits from the “Honest” 7″ digital release single will benefit the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

Of the song, Gordon Withers offers: “I’m honored to do my small part to advance the causes that NAACP-LDF pursues. This organization is on the forefront of pursuing racial justice in America, including having just set up a major new scholarship program to train the next generation of civil rights lawyers. LDF’s connection to Bandcamp is now well-established, too — last Juneteenth Bandcamp donated all their revenue for the day to LDF. I’m excited to partner with friends The 1984 Draft to echo that commitment through our own Bandcamp Friday fundraiser.”

Joe Anderl adds: “The 1984 Draft has always been about giving back when we can.  This project started out as a gift of a single 7″ to me.  What better way to honor that idea, than to use it to continue giving”

You are able to purchase the release here. To find more on Gordon Withers, click here.