RIVVRS delivers catchy alt-pop with latest single “Ready To Begin"

08 March 2016, 09:45 | Written by The Line of Best Fit

(Tracks)

(RIVVRS)

LA-based RIVVRS – aka Brandon Zahursky – drops “Ready To Begin”, the next single from upcoming album Unfamiliar Skin.

The track opens with a familiar, folky lightness: sparse drums and catchy whistles punctuate hushed, staccato vocals. Just when you’re getting comfortable, the chorus cascades in with driving percussion, euphoric warm synths and Zahursky crying out “I’m ready to begin/need some unfamiliar skin I know”.

The stylistic contrast of verse and chorus is highly effective. Whilst on first impression you could easily mistake “Ready To Begin” for a conventional, uplifting pop track, the punchy chorus catapults it into something that feels much more innovative and contemporary.

It also stands out for its seamless blending of genres. Folky whistles are electronically distorted into catchy hooks, while the vocals are tinged with a soul-influenced rasp, providing an interesting counterpoint to the authentic drums and electronic breakdowns.

RIVVRS had this to say about the song: "'Ready To Begin' is a big step for me, genre-wise. There's always been an underlying acoustic vibe to my music, and this track breaks that mold completely.

"As I grow, I'm learning to incorporate more influences that fall outside of the acoustic genre, and it feels very liberating. I'm very proud of my first EP, but this is the record I've always dreamed of making."

“Ready To Begin” is alt-pop music at its most effective. With crisp production and hooks as catchy as these, the song feels just as sync-friendly as RIVVRS' previous single, ‘I Will Follow You’, which featured prominently in NBC’s About A Boy.

Stream it below as Song Of The Day.

Words: Holly Manners