I’ve never been the biggest fan of The Police — far from it, in fact — though I have mellowed every so slightly in more recent years. While “Every Breath You Take” is worthy of classic pop status, the song suffered from being overplayed in its prime. I’ve also since come around to the joys of “King Of Pain.”

“Roxanne,” however, remains firmly on my do-not-play list. Just a couple of months ago, I was reminded of my distaste for the song when The Voice hopeful Juliet Simms covered it for the show. Still, I should know by now to never say never, because there’s an even newer rendition of “Roxanne” that’s made me rethink my stance.

Strange Talk, the Melbourne electropop quartet whose debut album is set to arrive later this year, have recorded “Roxanne” and the results are ridiculously listenable. Phenomenally fantastic, in fact. Strange Talk posted their cover on SoundCloud with no real explanation for the selection, just this simple note: “Can you tell we’ve been buying new synths?”

The last two minutes are particularly delightful. When the stuttering vocals bit kicked around the 3:20 mark, I knew my pox upon “Roxanne” had been completely cured. Strangely wonderful that it only took 33 years.

Free download of Strange Talk – “Roxanne” via Neon Gold Records. And be sure to check out their self-titled EP, released last year.