Chicago’s all-female string quintet transforms a rock classic into a cinematic live experience.
Chicago-based group Electric 5 continues to redefine what live performance means with their powerful cover of The Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black.” The quintet brings a fresh surge of energy to the rock classic, relying entirely on their instruments to recreate the intensity of a full band.
Arranged by Dusan Sarapa and Adia, the new version strips away all studio enhancements and backing tracks. Instead, it captures the raw strength of five musicians performing together in real time. Adia, Kelsee Vandervall, Erica Carpenedo, Violetta Todorova, and Lillian Pettit recorded the track at Coda Room Audio in Chicago, while Grammy-winning engineer James Auwarter mixed and mastered it at Coda Room Audio in London. The result is a live recording that feels both fierce and intricate.
The performance layers thundering cello lines with weaving violin harmonies and sharp melodic leads. Each part contributes to the growing tension that defines “Paint It Black,” turning the song into something darker and more cinematic. Electric 5 manages to keep the original’s haunting spirit intact while giving it a modern, electric pulse.
Following their acclaimed cover of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman,” this new release pushes their concept even further. It highlights the group’s ability to deliver the force of rock music using only strings. Their approach relies on precision, teamwork, and bold creativity, making every note feel intentional and alive.
Electric 5 formed in Chicago with one goal in mind: to challenge expectations of what string players can do. With two cellos and three violins, they perform every arrangement live without loops or digital aid. Their performances blend the power of rock with the sophistication of classical music, proving that authenticity and artistry still have a place at the center of modern sound.
“Paint It Black” stands as more than a cover. It is a statement from a group that believes in performance over perfection and emotion over automation. Electric 5 continues to remind listeners that the future of rock might just be made of strings.