Reading Time: 2 min read

3.5 out of 5 stars

Superfruit, Future Friends Part One © RCASuperfruit – Mitch Grassi and Scott Hoying of Pentatonix – release their debut single, “Bad 4 Us,” serving as the promo for Future Friends – Part One.

Sigh – Pentatonix have taken a break, particularly with Avi Kaplan departing.  Nonetheless, members Mitch, Scott, and Kirstin are continuing their musical endeavors in the meantime. Mitch Grassi and Scott Hoying (Superfruit) drop their seven-song, debut pop EP, Future Friends – Part One, on June 30, 2017.  Ahead of its release, promo single “Bad 4 Us” arrived.  Additionally, a unique music video accompanied the single, with the YouTube personalities reacting to their own video.  All in all, “Bad 4 Us” is enjoyable.

Vocally, there will NEVER be any issues with Superfruit – like never, ever.  Mitch and Scott are incredibly gifted musicians, something that shows once more throughout the course of “Bad 4 Us.” Arguably, the biggest vocal issue with “Bad 4 Us” is the lack of variation we’re accustomed to hearing from… Pentatonix. It should be a non-issue, but the two are still more likely to be associated with their five-some as opposed to their YouTube, pop-duo.  It’s not fair, but also not a far-fetched observation.

Focusing on “Bad 4 Us,” it’s an enjoyable record, but not earth-shattering.  In addition to those fantastic vocals, the groove is infectious. The production has some great touches, with soulful guitar, pronounced bass line, and urban pop cues throughout.  “Bad 4 Us” isn’t the catchiest pop record of the year, but it has enough ingredients to make it appealing.  Arguably, the music video is more fun than the song itself, and that’s not a burn.  Mitch and Scott’s heads used against various animation? Too good to resist.

Final Thoughts  

Honestly, what more is there to say? “Bad 4 Us” is by no means ‘bad for us’ to listen to – it’s pretty good.  Pretty good doesn’t equate to epic, which it’s not. 

Superfruit • Future Friends – Part One • RCA • Release: 6.30.17
Photo Credit: RCA 

the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.