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Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Watch This: Pentatonix - "Royals"

Everything acapella powerhouse Pentatonix does makes me grin from ear to ear (I refuse to apologize for that wordplay), and its latest cover of Lorde's "Royals" is no exception. There's plenty to analyze here: let's start with the music. Mitch Grassi is in his element carrying the song's verses, touching on the thinly veiled bitterness of Lorde's original performance but imbuing the little ups and downs with glee, while Kirstie Maldonado and Scott Hoying add dimension and character; group beatboxers Avi Kaplan and Kevin Olusola (no doubt helped by the great production values) absolutely stun with their versatility--the way the group takes a bare-bones arrangement and completely owns it is a treat to hear.

The video is just the icing on the cake: there's much to read in it, but essentially the big idea is that this group is the real deal. There are no gimmicks here, no crystals, Maybachs, diamonds on timepieces--just five incredibly talented young musicians showing what they've got and inspiring everybody who watches. When they reach the heights of the chorus and shout "Let me be your ruler!" you can only oblige.

If you haven't already (and really, how have you not?), go check out everything on Pentatonix's YouTube page. Right now. Do it. Then go to the group's Facebook page and order PTX Volume 2, its upcoming new release.



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