Watch CHVRCHES’ Brilliant Cover of Janelle Monàe’s “Tightrope”

Sonically, Scottish electropop group CHVRCHES and American avant-R&B queen Janelle Monàe couldn't be more different. But, in terms of pioneering spirit, powerful female intellect, and overall excellence, they are striking comrades — and both are finally gaining traction on the U.S. charts. Miss Monàe was recently honored as Billboard's Rising Star at their Women In Music event, and CHVRCHES were there to celebrate. In honor of the singer's award, they performed their own slowed-down, drama-laden version of "Tightrope," the standout hit from Monàe's ecstatic Electric Lady album. It doesn't hold a torch to the studio gymnastics of the original — which made for one of 2013's best videos, as well as SNL performances — but it still kicked the audience into dance mode. This isn't CHVRCHES first foray into surprisingly great covers either. Their gorgeously melancholy take on Whitney Houston's incendiary "It's Not Right But It's OK" is one of the best pop tributes in recent memory and definitely worth your attention. Check that out here and their performance of "Tightrope" above.