So you know when you have the TV on in the background, just for the purpose of ambience. Well recently there has been one TV advert in particular that always makes me look up and watch. That advert is for the UK’s hottest new vocal harmony group. That group being “The Overtones.”
Made up of a five fresh faced young men; Lachie Chapman, Darren Everest, Timmy Matley, Mark Franks and Mike Crawshaw, this band is designed to perfection to have girls, women and boys of all ages swooning over them. Their vocals are as slick as the group members themselves, both reviving a repertoire of golden oldies from the 50s and 60s and mixing in a batch of newly recorded songs, continuing that classic nostalgic sound. According to sources the band were discovered in London whilst rehearsing during a tea break from their painting and decorating work. Maybe they were working on the Warner Music Entertainment offices, who knows, but whether that story be true or not, they definitely deserve the break! Actually, this has given me an idea, it might be worth me paying a visit to the builders working on Leicester Square’s redevelopment project, I could be onto a winner!
Their new album, “Good Ol’ Fashioned Love,” sees The Overtones lend their vocal artistry perfectly to many a toe tapping, finger snapping, sing-along hit from times gone by such as, “Gambling Man,” (their first single release), “The Longest Time,” “Blue Moon,” and “Why Do Fools Fall In Love.”
Every track on the album showcases their vocals to the max and although many have tried and failed to bring back vocal harmony groups in recent years, I think this potion is mixed to perfection.
Every track on the album showcases their vocals to the max and although many have tried and failed to bring back vocal harmony groups in recent years, I think this potion is mixed to perfection.
So when I was asked if I wanted to go and see this group perform at the Jazz Cafe in London, the answer was most definitely yes! I wanted to see if they were as good live as the album made them out to be. I wasn’t disappointed. The Jazz Cafe in Camden, London is a small intimate venue that holds around 450 people at its maximum capacity. It's the perfect location to catch a band before they move on to bigger things! The Overtones were playing to a sold out audience so understandably it was tightly packed in there. The stage is practically in the audience with no safety barriers, bringing the band even closer to their adoring audience. Although a newly discovered band, there were signs of their future success in this audience with many already sporting “Overtones” T-Shirts, a sure fire indication of the fandom which will ensue!
They entered the venue from the restaurant level, five making their way down a short staircase to the stage. The room erupted with cheers and piercing screams from an audience of hormonal women. Women of all ages from their twenties to their sixties and beyond had their eyes glued to the five suited and booted gentlemen adorning the stage before them. There were some men present but it was most definitely a predominantly female audience. This made entertaining the crowd easy for the group, simply standing there and singing was all that this audience was seeking. Still this is what The Overtones are all about, vocal harmony singing. Nobody was expecting anything more from them. Of course they threw in a little uniform choreography here and there but this was all about showcasing their glorious vocals and that they did to perfection with each and every song they performed.
With much finger snapping, toe tapping and swaying from side to side, the crowd was treated to a set brimming with all the classics; “In the Still Of The Night,” “For The Longest Time,” “Blue Moon,” “Why Do Fools Fall In Love,” and “Beggin You,” to name but a few.
Begging the crowd was, for more, and they delivered to the demands. The Jazz Cafe was an aptly named venue for the show as the style of the evening was most definitely of a swing/slow jazz genre. To put their own stamp on the night, they re-worked some modern day songs. Some worked more than others, their a cappella mash up of Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance,” and Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” blended perfectly and leant itself well to their interpretation. However, in my opinion, they need to drop Cee Lo Green’s “Fuck You,” from the set. It worked for Gwyneth Paltrow and the cast of Glee, for sure yes, but this isn’t a bunch of high spirited teenagers and/or a Grammy Award muppet collaboration on stage. Maybe, their idea was to bring a “cool” element to the show but ultimately, it had the reverse effect. It cheapened an otherwise finely polished and sophisticated set. That’s not to say I don’t like the song, I love it, but seriously, five men in bow ties, suits and shiny shoes, shouting out the lyrics, “Fuck You,” in the middle of a harmonic chorus? It’s a big X-Factor “NO” from me! Guys, you’re cool as you are! Thankfully it was only a small slip in an otherwise perfect repertoire. The pre-encore song was aptly picked, “Goodnight Sweetheart.” As they left the stage the room was filled with a rapturous applause. They were gone all of a minute before returning to the stage. Guys, leave them begging for more, they ain’t going nowhere in a hurry! Lap it up and enjoy the feeling! Ending the night with their new single, “Gambling Man,” they left the audience in high spirits, singing along with smiles on their faces.
Begging the crowd was, for more, and they delivered to the demands. The Jazz Cafe was an aptly named venue for the show as the style of the evening was most definitely of a swing/slow jazz genre. To put their own stamp on the night, they re-worked some modern day songs. Some worked more than others, their a cappella mash up of Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance,” and Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” blended perfectly and leant itself well to their interpretation. However, in my opinion, they need to drop Cee Lo Green’s “Fuck You,” from the set. It worked for Gwyneth Paltrow and the cast of Glee, for sure yes, but this isn’t a bunch of high spirited teenagers and/or a Grammy Award muppet collaboration on stage. Maybe, their idea was to bring a “cool” element to the show but ultimately, it had the reverse effect. It cheapened an otherwise finely polished and sophisticated set. That’s not to say I don’t like the song, I love it, but seriously, five men in bow ties, suits and shiny shoes, shouting out the lyrics, “Fuck You,” in the middle of a harmonic chorus? It’s a big X-Factor “NO” from me! Guys, you’re cool as you are! Thankfully it was only a small slip in an otherwise perfect repertoire. The pre-encore song was aptly picked, “Goodnight Sweetheart.” As they left the stage the room was filled with a rapturous applause. They were gone all of a minute before returning to the stage. Guys, leave them begging for more, they ain’t going nowhere in a hurry! Lap it up and enjoy the feeling! Ending the night with their new single, “Gambling Man,” they left the audience in high spirits, singing along with smiles on their faces.
With vocals arrangements that mesmerised my ears and the stamina to perform each song to the highest harmonic standard, this group of young men deserve every ounce of success that comes knocking on their doors!
The Overtones – They’ll win you over with their vocal tones!
For more information connect with The Overtones online:
The Overtones Official Website www.theovertones.tv
Facebook www.facebook.com/theovertones
Twitter www.twitter.com/the_overtones
love love love them. I'm so smitten. I've been a fan for a while (even back in their days as boyband Dyyce!!) but i just love their style, energy and pure pop goodness. Long may they reign :)
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