A Study in Dynamic Contrast
Released on the 2013 album Melophobia, "Come a Little Closer" is a masterclass in modern indie rock dynamics. Matt Shultz delivers a performance that swings violently between dreamy, reverb-soaked verses and an aggressive, anthemic chorus. This song isn't about hitting impossibly high notes; it's about tonal control and attitude.
The song sits comfortably in a Baritone or low Tenor range, making it accessible to most male singers. However, the challenge lies in the stamina required to maintain the energy of the chorus without straining your vocal cords.
AI Coach Tip: Manage Your Airflow
Because the verses are so relaxed, singers often forget to engage their support before the chorus hits. Take a deep, low breath before the line "Come a little closer" to ensure you have the power to belt the G#4 safely.
Phase 1: The Verses (Relaxed & Breathy)
The verses ("Time flies by, they all sing along...") sit in the lower register around F#3. The style here is almost lazy. You want to drop your jaw and keep the larynx neutral to low.
The Trap: Don't articulate too crisply here. The aesthetic is psychedelic and slightly blurred. Allow the words to bleed into one another slightly to mimic the studio delay effects.
Phase 2: The Chorus (The Belt)
The energy explodes here. You move into the upper chest/mix voice, hitting F#4s and G#4s repeatedly on "Come a little closer, then you'll see." This requires a shift in placement.
- Placement: Move the resonance from your throat to the "mask" (the front of your face/nose).
- Vowels: Modify the vowels. Instead of a wide "EE" on "see," sing it more like "sih" or "say" to open the throat and prevent pinching.
- Attitude: This section needs grit. Engage your core to add compression, but do not push air harder, or you will crack.
Phase 3: The Bridge & Outro
The song creates a massive wall of sound in the outro. If you are singing lead, maintain the melody line with power. If you are harmonizing, there are falsetto layers in the background that add to the chaotic texture. The AI Coach can help you isolate the lead vocal from the noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lead vocal belts up to a G#4 in the chorus. There are background falsetto layers that go higher, but the core melody stays within the F#3-G#4 range.
Yes, this is an excellent song choice for Baritones. It allows you to utilize your lower range in the verses while challenging your upper chest voice in the chorus without being impossibly high.
Matt uses a lot of vocal fry at the start of phrases and often slides (portamento) up to notes rather than hitting them cleanly. Try adding a slight "lazy" slide to your intervals.
