The Overtones

In the closing years of the 2000s, the Overtones emerged as another improbable group to secure a major-label contract, following in the footsteps of nuns, Cornish fishermen, and Chelsea pensioners. Once a decorating and painting crew, this vocal harmony ensemble comprises falsetto specialist Mark Franks, formerly a dancer with Pet Shop Boys and hailing from Manchester; Lachie Chapman, who originates from Sydney; ex-model Mike Crawshaw of Bristol; Darren Everest from Essex, who trained at the Sylvia Young Theatre School; and Timmy Matley, previously a performer in Fame -- The Musical and from Cork. Drawing inspiration from the Ink Spots, the Drifters, and Michael Bublé, they launched a home decor business in 2009 that allowed them to practice their harmonies alongside their day jobs. A talent scout caught their performance in London's West End and subsequently arranged an audition with Warner Music executives; the five-piece so captivated the label that they landed a five-album agreement along with the tag "the Take That of doo wop." Having backed Matt Goss during the U.K. edition of his Las Vegas production, the group issued their first album in 2010, Good Ol' Fashioned Love, which blended '50s and '60s nostalgia pop standards with original compositions such as the lead track "Gambling Man." Higher marked their sophomore release in 2012, succeeded by the cinematic Saturday Night at the Movies the following year. Early in 2015 saw the arrival of Sweet Soul Music, their fourth U.K. Top Ten entry, which incorporated three fresh tracks amid ten soul standards. That same year brought the covers-only collection Good Ol' Fashioned Christmas.