A cappella music has always had a symbiotic relationship with the theater. Theatrical music itself is full of various movements compared to the more standard writing structure in Top 40 music. Theatrical music also tends to be a bit more exaggerated in its vocal delivery, allowing vocal groups to truly explore a range of emotions and musical concepts you do not hear in a typical song. South Creek Revival's (SCR) latest single Oscar Winning Tears (originally by Raye) makes a valiant effort to appease both the theatergoers and fans of popular music. What distinguishes SCR's rendition from the original is less of a focus on jazz and more of an emphasis on a typical thunderous rock sound.

From the jump, the vocals are massive, in your face, and most notably heavy on the low-end production. The emphatic delivery is undeniable, but whereas listeners are afforded time for Raye's soulful and sultry expressiveness to settle in, SCR's take is more of a rush to the end of the track. I would have liked the group to lay back on the beat just a little more to give us time to really appreciate the rhythmic gymnastics the group is executing in those higher voices.

Speaking of vocal gymnastics, SCR is immensely skilled in the execution of the arrangement. I know this can sometimes be an overlooked concept, but talented musical pros who can deliver full chords and big moments with ease are certainly admired.

As for Kyle Tobin's lead vocals on the track ... what a range he has! The guy has the vocals fitting for any stage and the capability to hold the listener's ear, be it his agile singing or engaging tone. I do wish that the emotion and energy in his phrasing were elongated all the way through the final lyric and note — moments most notable in the middle of the song.

Is Oscar Winning Tears my favorite SCR project to date? No. But it is a good reminder that the group is capable of tackling unique genres that other vocal bands might not even touch. For that, it is worthy of applause.