Hello, hello! I’m glad to be back writing for WGRE this semester. If this is your first time reading one of my articles, let me introduce myself. I’m Jerica Bean and I am the Head Music Director at WGRE. I write in The DePauw every other week to report on new music happenings. This week, I’m going to be telling you about Overcoats.
Sometimes you’re late to the train on good music. It happens to the best of us. The debut album by electro-soul duo Overcoats, led by Hana Elion and JJ Mitchell, “Young,” was released in April of 2017. I had no idea the band existed until I was fortunate enough to help film their gig at Luna Music in Indianapolis on Jan. 14. (Shoutout to Director of ITAP, Doug Fellegy, for letting me push buttons on a camera during their set!)
Overcoats had to keep their performance to a short four songs that day, but I made sure I checked out the record when I made it home. “Leave the Light On” is easily my favorite from the album. Though some lines are repeated at least twenty times throughout the four-minute track and seem to lack depth, the bounding instrumentals and swinging, melting harmonies are divine enough to drag anyone in. The two women of this group are best friends and I’d like to believe that their unity has somehow manifested in their ability to meld their voices into one. Given the chance, I think this song has the potential to surge through parties and walk-around-campus playlists much like “Gold” by Kiiara did after its 2016 release.
“Smaller than My Mother” has the same vocal and instrumental draw of “Leave the Light On,” but with lyrics that tell a stronger story. The song depicts a relationship with a man who, despite his stature, makes his partner feel weak and diminished with his artsy, overpowering ego. If you’ve had a bad breakup, channel your V-Day anger into this feminist bop.
Other of Overcoats’ songs that I heavily enjoy are “I Don’t Believe in Us” and “The Fog.” I would definitely recommend seeking this album out, but if you would like a more accessible and recognizable jumping off point, they released a cover of Hozier’s “Cherry Wine” in 2016 that will give you chills. Be sure to tune in to WGRE to hear tracks from Overcoats and many others! You can listen anytime 24-7 on 91.5 FM or wgre.org!