Single Review: Overdrive

Louis Baker has one of the most distinctive voices in modern Aotearoa music. He has gathered a loyal following worldwide. It’s no wonder that his latest collab with Kings, one of the most prominent rappers and singer-songwriters in New Zealand, is incredible.

Overdrive is groovy from bar one. It starts with a car engine revving up and rolls into a Vulfpeck-level-funky bass riff. The rhythm section is tidy, but moving. It won’t sit still for more than a bar at a time. The production on the track is impeccable. No beat is wasted.

Baker’s laid back vocals paired with electric keys throw the listener into the heat of the afternoon with a beer in their hand. The band captures the sound of summer through epic instrumentation. The brief harmonic breakdown showcases that Baker’s voice is capable of more than this chill vocal performance, but they effortlessly cool delivery is what makes the song so perfect.

Kings’ verse provides a break, while electric guitar stabs in the background. His flow is natural, blending with the groove of the track perfectly. He spits about seeking positivity despite not being “shown love”.

Baker’s vocals return for another chorus with electric guitar meddling in the background. Overdrive finishes with a single acapella line. It’s not often I find myself wishing songs were longer, but Overdrive leaves the listener wanting to click replay, and that in itself is an art.