Double Single Review: Effortless and Conspirator

Auckland-based four piece The BackChat have created two new singles which are releasing this August 12th. Breaking through the loneliness of winter months, Effortless gives us an aural experience for closed doors. While Conspirator is a word on conspiracy theorists, a song that gives light to some harsher themes experienced in the past couple of years. Both tracks are co-produced with Pierre Beasley, mixed by Morgan Allen and mastered by Luke Finlay. 

Soul, hip hop, modern indie and alt R&B blend together to make sass come to life, with various vocal influences and the poise of pop production. Bekah’s vocals are robust, with lyrics that complement an unfading attitude. You can hear a bit of Erykah Badu, Sade, or Corinne Bailey Rae, mixed with a bit of Hollie Smith or Ladi6 from our own stomping grounds. 

Effortless has a personal grit to it. The drums are well-timed, and the guitar’s softness inspires a classy, sensual atmosphere. Bekah Smith (vocals), Evon Lavea (guitar), Jess Hix (drums), and Michael Anderson (bass) each come from different musical backgrounds, but their similar tastes have brought them together to make music. They closely admire artists such as Anderson Paak, and Childish Gambino; hence hip hop being a key element in their songs. 

Effortless is a story of a perfect night-in. Open a window and tell your flatmates to plug their headphones in because tonight is gonna be a steamy one! The track sways deeply in rhythm, and would practically make any bedroom buddy want to stay over. The lyrics depict a physical relationship made of lust, discovery and ecstasy. It’s for those that feel close, and friendly enough that love and connection feel effortless around them. 

Conspirator sheds skin on those that have made the pandemic a lot harder than it needed to be. With the grace of a middle finger, this song gives its two cents to those that have chosen to reap havoc and spread misinformation. I love the bravery to say what needs to be said lyrically, yet the subtlety of the song does so without the need for a punk to kick any amps down.