Superfruit, Future Friends – Part One | Album Review

Superfruit – comprised of Pentatonix members Mitch and Scott – releases an enjoyable, seven-song, debut EP with Future Friends – Part One.

Pentatonix have taken a break (not a breakup though) with Avi Kaplan announcing his departure from the group.  Nonetheless, members Mitch Grassi, Scott Hoying, and Kirstin [Maldonado] are continuing their musical endeavors in the meantime. Mitch and Scott (Superfruit) drop their highly anticipated, seven-song, debut pop EP, Future Friends – Part One.  The results are impressive overall.

“Imaginary Parties”

“Imaginary Parties” kicks off Future Friends – Part One superbly.  The production is fresh to the nth degree, exemplifying the 21^st century pop sound.  Electronic sounds dominate, serving as a fitting backdrop to Mitch and Scott.  Vocally, the stark differences of the duo’s voices are a selling point.  With Mitch in particular, his upper register and falsetto cuts through, serving as a great source for various production tricks. As for Scott, call him the great stabilizer.  “Imaginary Parties” is a great tone setter.

“Bad 4 Us” is an enjoyable record, featuring fantastic vocals and an infectious the groove. The production has some great touches, led by soulful guitar, pronounced bass line, and urban pop cues. The shimmering sound quality that appeared on “Imaginary Parties” carries over into “Bad 4 Us,” hence, giving it another positive attribute.  While catchier pop tunes have arrived in 2017, “Bad 4 Us” possesses the ingredients of a hit.

“Worth It (Perfect)” 

On “Worth It (Perfect),” the duo showcases great vocal blend singing in unison (in different octaves, of course). Mitch stands out given the register, but Scott still shines, filling out the bottom like a boss.  Some pros include a catchy chorus, slick, modern production work, and when Mitch lets loose on the high F#.

“You pull me under, give me something I never had
Push me over with not time to push back
I never felt so good and so bad
Went to hell and back
But it was worth it, ooh yeah
And it was perfect, ooh yeah
And no I don’t regret it.” 

The backdrop of “Vacation” borrows some cues from the 80s, while maintaining that contemporary sound.  Here, both vocalists take their share of lead after Mitch dominated “Worth It (Perfect).”  Mitch kicks things off on the first verse, while Scott adds a deeper, more robust sound on the second verse.  Once more, they sing in unison on the chorus and the bridge.  Foot tapping is unavoidable – the four on the floor beat gets you every time.

“Sexy Ladies”

“Spend three hours on your hair (for what?) / But he don’t notice, he don’t care / But goddamn, you’re looking good / He don’t appreciate you like a real man should.” Sigh, the first impression “Sexy Ladies” gives off – mad swag! Soulful and amped up, “Sexy Ladies” has a tongue-n-cheek vibe that bodes well in its favor.  This is the type of record that sounds in Bruno Mars’ wheelhouse – this must be the long-lost track from 24K Magic.  While it’s hard to find anyone, who can exceed Mars in the “cool” department, Superfruit does a spectacular job of pulling it off.

“Heartthrob” rolls right along in swag heaven, playing to the strengths of Superfruit.  Once more, Mitch is the dominant voice, but Scott isn’t merely a backup singer.  A fun joint, one of the most fun moments arrives on the bridge, which is over the top.

“H-E-A-R double T, H-R-O-B
Joey, Lance, and JT
Maybe Chris after a couple of drinks
H-E-A-R double T, H-R-O-B
Joey, Lance, and JT
Don’t forget JC, he can really sing.”

“Future Friends” concludes Future Friends – Part One on a high note. A slick EDM-pop joint, “Future Friends” offers a little bit of everything.  More superb unison singing, beautifully harmonized vocals, sensational production – what more could anyone ask for?

Final Thoughts 

All in all, Superfruit have released a quality EP with Future Friends – Part One.  This album sounds fresh, suiting the sound that defines pop music in 2017.  Vocally, while its different not hearing the rest of Pentatonix singing alongside Mitch and Scott, they sound magnificent as a duo. Hopefully, Future Friends – Part Two will be as enjoyable and well-rounded as Future Friends – Part One.

Gems: “Imaginary Parties,” “Bad 4 Us,” “Sexy Ladies” & “Future Friends”    

Superfruit • Future Friends – Part One • RCA • Release: 7.1.17

[📷: RCA]