Tufts sQ! gives us just what we want from symbolic Bottom of the River: a foot-stompin’ piece with plenty of power and impact.

Thanks to eerie sopranos and a light wind blowing for effect in the song’s opening, we’re in the right mood from the start. From here, the production shifts to a very subtle space, letting the vocals lead the charge and the deep, bluesy groove march us along. The great arrangement (compliments of Reza Mirsajadi) serves this song and these singers well, showcasing individual voices and sections before bursts of intense group singing to jack up the excitement level. Real dynamics are too-often stagnant in recorded a cappella, but we’re treated to double pianissimos and double fortes here, without losing blend or precision. Rare, and absolutely called for in Bottom of the River. Tufts sQ! can really roar. 

You’ll certainly feel this one. Bottom of the River is from the freshly released album Bird (For Now), which features many other ear-pleasing tunes from this solid Boston mixed group.