The Overtones are one of our very favourite groups. As well as being incredibly talented singers they are a lovely bunch of guys who genuinely just love music. They enjoyed a breakthrough in 2010 with their debut album Good Ol’ Fashioned Love which was certified Platinum and in 2012 they followed the album up with Higher which was certified Gold in the UK. A year on from that record and the vocal harmony group are back with their third album Saturday Night at the Movies.
Saturday Night at the Movies follows the formula of the group’s previous albums mixing covers with a handful of original songs. This time round there’s a theme as the group tackle some of the most recognisable songs in the history of film. The album opens with title track Saturday Night at the Movies and it’s lovely to hear the group’s rich harmonies wrapping themselves around such a classic. Throughout the album you’ll get a sense of familiarity as the group put their own spin on songs you’ll no doubt know.
The majority of the lead vocals are performed by Timmy Matley and Lachie Chapman with Mike Crawshaw, Darren Everest and Mark Franks providing soulful back-up harmonies. There are of course exceptions with vocals shared more equally on highlight Breaking Up is Hard to Do and album closer Who Put The Bomp? Timmy and Lachie have voices that can be best described as polar opposite. Timmy has a much higher register whereas Lachie is the Bass of the group. You can hear the way the two voices work together on Do You Love Me? which featured on the Dirty Dancing soundtrack.
Other highlights on the album include The Jungle Book medley The Bare Necessities/I Wanna Be Like You, Blues Brothers’ classic Shake A Tail Feather, and ballad It Had To Be You. Beverley Knight features on the uptempo Hit The Road Jack blending her powerful voice in with the group’s tight harmonies.
Of the original material there are three new tracks here – Miss Hollywood, All About You and Superstar – and they fit in really well with the covers. The Overtones seems to have mastered the art of blending their own material with covers and it can be hard at first glance to distinguish between them. This isn’t a criticism, it’s more a compliment of how they effortlessly capture a sound and time making a very cohesive album. Our favourite of the three is the hand-clap laden Miss Hollywood which is one of the strongest tracks on the album.
Three albums in and we’re still head over heels with The Overtones. Whilst they may not be breaking new ground musically, they are like a good friend that’s always there to make you feel comfortable and warm. The Overtones has found their niche and they are continuing to explore it ensuring they take their fans on the journey with them. In terms of vocal ability you’ll be hard pressed to find another all-male group that comes anywhere close to Timmy, Lachie, Darren, Mike and Mark. We’ll spend Saturday night at the movies with you any time guys.
