The Overtones are back with their third album, an upbeat take on a number of classic songs from the movies combined with a few others, including some original songs written for the album. Covering tracks from such films as When Harry Met Sally, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Dirty Dancing, the boys ably apply their vocal harmonies to a broad selection of songs.
The first noticeable thing about the album is how instantly recognisable the track list is and on a quick glance you will probably recognise most of them. The title track is first on the album and sets the tone of what is to follow perfectly well. From thereon in, the album contains a number of classic songs such as “Moon River”, “Do You Love Me?” and “Pretty Woman” all of which are well executed and put together.
Using their tight and polished vocals, the group reinvigorate the classic tracks and introduce us to some new ones – “Miss Hollywood” and “Superstar” in particular were unexpected pleasures. The album is mainly upbeat and catchy with you finding the songs feeling familiar even upon first listen. However, the group have managed to add something just different enough to the songs to ensure that the album never comes across as just straight covers, but equally that it does not stray too far from the originals to make them unrecognisable or overblown. There is also a pleasant balance between music and vocals, which allows the group’s vocal strengths to shine through.
With the right mixture of upbeat numbers and slower ballads, this collection is easy to listen to and is, in the majority, likeable and fun. That said; there are a couple of songs which seem a little out of place and don’t really fit with the rest of the track list. Whilst “The Bare Necessitates / I Wanna Be Like You” and “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” are good enough as standalone tracks, they don’t seem to sit well with the rest of the songs and interrupt the flow of the album.
Album highlights included “It Had To Be You”, “Runaway”, “Superstar” and “Shake A Tail Feather” and the whole thing was enjoyable enough. As with all music, you have to appreciate the style and genre of music, so this is not going to be an album that suits everyone. If you love your hard-core house or death metal, then you should steer well clear.
However, if this is your kind of music, the overall flavour of the album is very much peppered with a 50’s tinge and fans of Do-Wop, rock ‘n’ roll and swing music will find a lot to enjoy in this album. It has a genuine feel of nostalgia to it and a pleasant, foot tapping, sing-along charm of its own.
