TikTok virality, a debut mixtape, and one million Spotify listeners later, piri & tommy are back with a unique take on a hyperpop classic. Their latest endeavour sees the Mancunian duo – real names Sophie McBurnie and Tommy Villiers – tackle ‘Unlock It’, by Charli XCX, featuring Kim Petras and Jay Park.
The original track, released in 2017, became popular on TikTok four years after its initial release. The punchy, spoken-word chorus was used in over 1.9 million posts, as users adopted the sound as the backdrop for a dance trend. Charli’s version is supersonic in nature, illustrative of the Brit’s huskier vocals and electronic inspiration.
Comparatively, and in accordance with their existing discography, piri & tommy approach the track with a unique vision. The cover is rooted in etherealism and romance, emulating the increasingly popular blend between bubblegum pop and drum & bass.
The duo’s existing catalogue has so far imposed an alternative influence on the genre, pushing it towards modernity. Their rendition of ‘Unlock It’ is no exception. As the group continues to rise to mainstream prominence, the syrupy-sweet voice of piri is unmistakable within the UK’s rave-pop scene. Here, it lends itself as the primary divergence from Charli’s original recording.
piri’s vocals transport listeners to a sort of psychedelic cloud nine, in stark contrast with the heavy, garage-influenced production (a product of Tommy’s genius). Despite this disparity, there is a seemingly effortless chemistry between vocals and production – no surprise, given the duo’s partnership both in and out of the recording studio.
Despite being newcomers to the music industry (their claim to fame, ‘soft spot’, was released only seventeen months ago), it’s clear piri & tommy are already well-established in the art of producing feel-good, almost enchanting sounds. The final product is perhaps more amateur than Charli’s original, though by no means any less impressive.
The cover follows the release of piri & tommy’s debut mixtape, froge.mp3, released in late October by Polydor Records. The duo will make an anticipated return to their hometown, performing at the infamous Warehouse Project in Manchester on November 19 2022.
Words by Aisha Sembhi