Collaborating with producer Dimitri Tikovoi on [STRANGERS]’ new single, “Something New,” frontman David Maddox-Jones says that he got hooked on the music of Mikky Ekko, with whom Tikovoi had also been writing.

Ekko, of course, was featured on Rihanna’s recent #3 ballad, “Stay,” which the Nashville-based singer-songwriter co-wrote and produced. “‘Stay’ shows a different side to Rihanna and it’s powerful,” Maddox-Jones tells Popservations.

So with Ekko on his mind, Maddox-Jones and his dark-pop brethren have covered “Stay.” Filling in the spaces of the stark original, [STRANGERS]’ rounded-out revision rings more of deep devotion than naked desperation. And by showcasing a different side of the London trio, “Stay” proves powerful once more.

[STRANGERS]’ single, “Something New,” was only released last week (coupled with the very spinworthy B-side, “Never Enough”), but Maddox-Jones says they’re currently deciding upon the follow-up. “We have some exciting ideas we are working on right now. We won’t be doing things the usual way.”

Free download of [STRANGERS] – “Stay” (Rihanna feat. Mikky Ekko cover) via the player above.