Pentatonix Marches To The Beat of a Different Drum

Of all the Christmas songs that have made the rounds over the years, "Little Drummer Boy" earns a distinction for having a pretty drawn out melody. There's gravity to being that methodical. After all this is the Prince of Peace we're dealing with. Reverence is the least we mortal musicians can do for him. Between the intermittent bells and the chorus I get this sensation that in the hallowed version made back when the earth was cooling and dinosaurs roamed free that it takes every ounce of energy this bunch can muster up to keep the tune from cratering before it hits the finish line. What I'm asking you, the quite possibly Xmas music bombarded, last minute gift buying, I can't keep up this pace anymore throngs is, "Need a break from the War and Peace heavy weight of the chestnut "Pa rum pa pum pum" classic? How about y'all slip into Pentatonix's take on it. Pentatonix is an a cappella group hailing from Arlington, Texas, Texas Ranger baseball territory. This fivesome hooked up with stardom after appearing on the NBC talent show The Sing-Off. Here's a primer on who's who. Scott Hoying is the clean cut guy. Mitch Grassi is the suave man about town guy. Avi Kaplan has that mystique enticing facial hair. Kevin Olusola is the lone black dude on board and he employs his beatboxing skills to convincing effect. Kirstie Maldonado rounds out the bunch as the tender, sweet young thing. Songs of the faith ought to be well...how best to put this without pissing off any well-wishers I may have accumulated to this point...inspiring. You shouldn't be obligated to lug the weight of the world around, look around for the funeral procession you figure must be around here somewhere. Pentatonix gives "Little Drummer Boy" the shot in the arm it needs. When framed in the right light you could actually dance to it. Each member gets a turn to shimmer. Avi's voice surely does fly with the wings of an angel. Scott unleashes his power straight from the diaphragm. Kirstie adds to the celebration with her own prickly heat inducing clarity of pitch. I'm heartened by the fact this drummer boy doesn't go sloshing through the mud until he's reached the steps of the church. Not only do these five talented folks not drag out the mood, they have the spunk needed to play around with the material. We're soaring on a cloud of goodness. Each player displays unsullied athletic grace. The mystery of faith candle shines brightly. For some respectful and by the Good Book is the way to go. I contend Pentatonix's decision to reignite the magic of the season was/is a stroke of genius. On the choice "Pa rum pa pum pums" they kick around the refrain like hang loose collegians might kick around a hacky sack during a recess in the courtyard. Their message is buoyed whenever they weave in and out of each others paths. Thank you Pentatonix for reminding all of us that if you take good care of it, the human voice is capable of producing some incredibly majestic works of art. This holiday fireplace companion benefits greatly from a fresh log being added.