The Album

 

I had never heard of O.W.L. Fest before 2021, probably because I live over on the west coast and therefore am not usually able to go to live wrock concerts anymore. However, because most things have taken place online during the pandemic, Darvil of Percy and the Prefects decided to host O.W.L. Fest 2021 online! I’m so grateful that he did, because it was an awesome time and so many bands were able to participate, including his own! They recorded their set, which is what we will be delving into today, so let’s get ready to hear Live at O.W.L. Fest 2021!

The Tracks

The band kicks things off with Hi Hermione (Live), and instantly I am blown away by the quality of the recording. Each instrument and vocal is crystal clear and amazing. It genuinely put a huge smile on my face, because I knew the rest of the album was going to sound just as good!

Start Over (Live) is a great song about McGonagall being a harsh grader. All of the instruments – the drums, piano, and guitar – come together to create a really unique sound, paired with the incredible vocals (which includes harmonies as backup vocals as well).

We get into what I would identify as a “live recording sound” in the next song, Never Thought (Live). It has a very high energy, and the vocals give us a performance that is truly admirable, especially given the range that the song requires. I very much enjoyed everything about this song.

From Cedric Diggory’s point of view, Lonely Valentine’s (Because I’m Dead) (Live) is a sad yet funny song about Harry’s relationship with Cho and how it would affect Cedric’s ghost. I also love how the (Live) title goes back to back with the word (Dead).

Houses Me (Live) is next – a heartbreaking song about Harry’s mistreatment and neglect while living with his aunt, uncle, and cousin. This song goes in depth taking a look at Petunia’s feelings and how she couldn’t get past the hate of her sister, and Harry’s worry that maybe it’s all a big daydream to get him out of his awful reality in the cupboard under the stairs.

Next up is one of my favorite Percy and the Prefects songs: Scabbers & Ron (Freaky Little Man) (Live). I listen to the previously released version of this song all the time, so I really enjoyed hearing it played live. The whole band, vocals and instrumentals, are performed beautifully and definitely did this song justice.

The last song on this live album is I’m Sorry Harry Potter (Live), and what a wonderful way to end an incredible performance. The energy brought by all of the performers is electric and brings the music to life.

In Summary

I absolutely adore Percy and the Prefects, and getting a chance to hear them live was simply incredible. Their live versions of all of these songs were nothing short of amazing, and I am so grateful that they organized and performed in O.W.L. Fest 2021. Overall, this live album gets a rating of One Shiny Prefect Badge!