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The Scopes

Imperial College London

Take Back the Night - Single (2017)

5.0

Review By Dom Otto Asís

September 7, 2017

Ordering Information

This single is available on Google PlayDeezer, and Spotify.


Dom Otto Asís

The Scopes present a seamless mashup of Justin Timberlake's Take Back the Night with a little bit of I Look To You by Miami Horror. This track is arranged by Catherine Smith and she seems to have left no "holes" for silence — after all, it's a dance track. It's a perfect instrumentation of voices where each layer complements the other voice sections. I particularly enjoy the baritone section which does not conform with the rhythmic pattern of the higher voice sections.

One thing I've noticed in this arrangement is the use of real words instead of gibberish syllables; we don't often hear lyric-driven a cappella covers, especially with dance tracks. It's both smart and engaging — and also easier for the singers to sing their individual parts. The bass and vp work well in the mix — this is highlighted in the second stanza where the entire group sings bell tones. Kiran Patel, who sings the solo, is able to stand out even with these explosive vocal parts emitting their own fireworks in the background.

After expressing what's enjoyable and great about the arrangement, I have to look for the emotional impact of the track. The question is, do I need to? The easy answer is definitely "no". It's a groovy and danceable track that need not capture emotions like love songs do. I'd sing along with this a cappella version any time of the day. The overall feel induces happiness in me as a listener.

This is an easy track to score a "5" — and I don't see a reason why you won't like it, too. The Scopes deserve big kudos for this cover and I am confident that even non-fanatic listeners will agree.

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