The Cover Up: Nathan Parrett & Pip ~ One Brave Roar (Katy Perry/Sara Bareilles cover)

And the Roar covers keep on a-coming :) Following on from Chris Salvatore and The Future Kicks, the mighty Pip (who I've adored ever since The Voice - read more on him here) has teamed up with the equally talented Nathan Parrett (who wears amazing eyewear, FYI) to let loose their own primal Roar. However this Roar is somewhat different - tackling those "things that make you go hmmm" rumours head on, Nathan and Pip have blended the very similar Sara Bareilles song in with the ubiquitous Katy number and in doing so have created something that actually highlights the mellifluous genius of both numbers. There may be moments of knowing winks and a visual version of witty reparte but there is no denying that the two fellas clearly have love and admiration for both songs. Nathan brings the medley to life with a gorgeous vocal for Roar that is resonant with nuanced delivery, allowing the description of more repressed times in that first chorus to have a real wistful vulnerability and sadness. When Pip slides onto screen with some exquisite harmonies for the empowering run up in that first chorus run through, there's already an increased surge in Nathan's voice that allows him to bring an added vibrant sheen to the euphoric words. Pip's harmonies are just lovely, especially as they sing "I got the eye of the tiger" where the bow tie wearing genius takes the higher register enabling the song to really soar at what should be (and is) that goosebump moment. Together, there is a synergy that shows their comfortableness in singing together - each showcasing what they can do but certainly never overshadowing the other. Pip then shuffles Nathan over a little (honestly, the production is very simple but incredibly effective) and starts in on Sara's Brave. Despite the songs having very similar syntax, they are actually quite different in sentiment. Both leave you feeling uplifted, like you can take on the world - yet Brave is more of a celebration than a rallying call to arms and this certainly is highlighted by Pip's lovely vocals. There's absolutely no denying the young chap has a voice for the ages and it's clear he is just as at home singing the songs he loves as he is the songs he writes. As it becomes a (hilarious) visual smackdown (more on that in a minute), the blending of the two songs works perfectly (as expected) but it's the passion for them in Nathan and Pip's performance that really does bring them to life & make them sound just magnificent. I'll be listening to (and re-enacting this with anyone who will let me) all the live long day. Amazing. Now if they want to do an Applause-Girl Gone Wild video too, well that would be just dandy :)

(Here are some of my fave visual moments)...

• OH NO YOU BETTER DON'T! At 1m30, Nathan is itching to get back to Roar and Pip silences him by holding up a "sshh" finger to the side of the screen. From the withering look of disdain that Nathan gives him, you'd think he'd reached across the screen and slapped some duct tape over his mouth! Poor lad!
• SARTORIAL ELEGANZA! Not to be outdone, Nathan pulls a quick change and emerges with that snazzy yellow bow tie on. Oh the shade of it all...
• WILL THE REAL CLARK KENT PLEASE STAND UP! Not to be outdone, part two, Pip whips off his bow tie, undone his shirt, make sure that V of his tee-shirt is as low as it can be and pops on those rather fabulous glasses. Guffaw. If you've got pairs just lying around, I'd quite like one please. They are ace.
• THE END! They both strop off (had to edit that - my autocorrect put it in as "they both strip off" Good lord). Genius - it's definitely a play on the battle rounds of The Voice. Team Levine indeed.