The British indie-pop band Prep released a new song and video today called ‘Over’. The song features Norwegian electro-pop singer-songwriter, Anna of the North. Two things:
- If you’ve ever read anything I’ve written about, odds are you’ve found out that I love me some electric piano. I’ve said numerous times that a great voice and a Rhodes is really all I need to make me happy.
- When you listen to the track, you’ll get why I’m jumping all over this one.
While this song is much more than that, it definitely has both of those elements at its core. In fact, PREP’s overall synth work is some of my very favorite I’ve heard in a bit. There is a hooky sound that plays before the verses and in the chorus that I LOVE. I probably should’ve put a third option there. I’ve cited Steely Dan as making probably one of the best studio albums ever made in Aja, and this gave
me those vibes. The band integrates those jazz influences while the bass guitar would make any Chic/Bernard Edwards fans smile in remembrance. While the drums don’t Purdie shuffle, per se, they lay the foundation of groove as those toms fill the space with impeccable sound. Okay – a fourth option I should’ve put was that well mixed drums greatly appreciated. These are absolutely that.
Let’s talk vocals. The first voice we hear is from lead singer Tom Havelock. I was captured by the way he flows through the verse and holds the long notes exactly where needed. No monster studio tricks here. Just a single tracked vocal and some reverb/delay/echo thrown in for depth and away he goes. Tom Havelock keeps the mood of the song simple but not boring in anticipation of the chorus. Enter, Anna of the North. Her verse widens the sound as she double tracks in spots and keywords, giving the song yet another layer. The tone of her voice is innocent but not green in any way. Her little subtle vocal movements are a nice addition to the track.
Let’s end this review with the 5th option I should’ve listed. The overall mix. Lately, it seems that an outstanding mix is hard to come by. Even on a song I don’t love, a good mix can keep me coming back. Luckily for me, I’m a big fan of both with this one. I am now officially excited to hear what comes next from Prep. Take a listen, you might feel the same excitement after you do.
-Tommy Marz
You can follow Tommy on Twitter and let him know what you think.
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