Featuring all five of its members strictly on vocals, “Run to You” is thus a true testament to the very nature of a capella, reminding listeners to revel in the beauty of voices that speak for themselves - unaccompanied and unafraid of exposure. Reminiscent of a choral arrangement, the song is emotionally charged, revealing an internal battle that beautifully slips into dissonant harmonies and resolves at the perfect moments.

Its chord progressions, growing dynamics and reflective lyrics give movement to a poignant and pensive ballad that stands out from the rest of the more upbeat songs on the album. The true gem of the entire album, however, is without a doubt “Run to You.” This original song is unlike anything Pentatonix has ever done, and it serves as further proof of the group’s expertise in musical curveballs. One of these, “Love Again,” is a quintessential dance number rounded out by tight harmonies and a floating chorus melody, courtesy of Grassi. PTX continues to stretch their boundaries and to prove that they are capable of more than the covers for which they are known, as evidenced by two other originals on the album. If anything, this first cover sets the stage for the brilliance in the very next track, an original track titled “Natural Disaster.” Hoying’s edgy, dark vocals create this song’s drive, which is enforced by a raw, pulsing background that highlights the commanding rhythm section found in Kaplan’s vocal bass and Olusola’s percussion. Exuding confidence and energy, it perfectly describes where the group came from (Mitch even gives a shoutout to Texas in his rap), capturing both the group’s rise to fame and its future potential. The title track, a cover of Ryan Lewis and Macklemore’s “Can’t Hold Us,” is a classic example. The covers, particularly “I Need Your Love” and the mash-up “Save the World/Don’t You Worry Child,” are certain to attract new listeners and in fact confirm what fans have always adored about the group: namely, its ability to put a powerful twist on contemporary music, giving new life to radio singles that often get too old too quickly. The album consists of nine tracks, which are a combination of covers and original songs that demonstrates PTX’s capacity for creating and executing innovative arrangements in what some see as the “cookie-cutter” genre of pop. PTX is taking the a capella world - and the entire music industry, for that matter - by storm. Upon their victory, the group released a debut album and Christmas EP, toured across the country and received millions of views on their YouTube channel.Īnd they’re not slowing down - this past week, Pentatonix performed their hit “Evolution of Beyoncé” medley on The Ellen Show and won the title of “Best Response Video” at the YouTube Music Awards for their collaboration of “Radioactive” with Lindsey Stirling. The group, which consists of members Scott Hoying, Kirstie Maldonado, Mitch Grassi, Avi Kaplan and Kevin Olusola, has certainly lived up to the expectations it created for itself after winning Season Three of NBC’s The Sing-Off.

How lucky for their listeners, who as a result were treated to the unexpected and awe-inspiring sounds of the a capella group’s newest album, PTX Volume II, released Nov. “More of the same” is a phrase that Pentatonix most definitely does not understand.

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