EP Review: Something Strange for Change

A music-production duo from Aotearoa but based in Berlin? Which one is Krispy, and which is the Pooch? Is it really their debut EP? What does it sound like?

Luckily, that last question I could answer.

The lead tune kicks off with Where’s My Phone?, heavily soaked in 70’s vibes, reminiscent of Parliament particularly in the pop-soul vocals and cheeky, jazzed-up guitar shuffles. Glorious, uplifting energy is poured with bombastic keyboards leading into choruses, and while the bassline doesn’t play around much, much of the fun is in the exchange between the guitar and sampled dial tones and claps. The embellishment with telephonic sound effects (including the blips you used to hear on speakers when a text message is being received on old brick phones), gives a whimsical nostalgic value, but also puts the listener in the spotlight of the subject matter. Describing a short story of overly-possessive partners, awkward social nuances and trust, matched with old-school grooves, this is like a 70’s funk tune for the modern day.

Better is evenly-paced, with snares and off-beat keyboards holding each other steady. Likewise, the dancey basslines counter the smooth, soul vocals, making for a bittersweet juxtaposition between a light, upbeat groove with moody, contemplative lyrics. Gradual swells of saxophone notes adds a spaced-out feel, and when matched with light keyboard, the textures feel like a soundtrack to daydream to. Capped off with a fun, and almost-obligatory saxophone solo at the very end, fading the daydream back to the present.

Noticeably more electronic than other tracks of the EP, this one is held steady right the way through with a pulsing four-four rhythm courtesy of the bass section. The hypnotic quality of the beat and the synthesised keys is amplified by the distant, filtered vocals, The mathematical hop of the bass guitar and the summery dub-sound of the keyboards makes this one musically akin to a blend of Kora and Fat Freddy’s Drop. No kidding, after just a couple of listens, I found myself humming the bassline whilst doing dishes. It’s strangely catchy!

Be sure to stop by this one if you (like myself) are in denial of summer’s inevitable end, and still want to bask in some light, flavoursome jams. Or, if you feel like something interesting, whimsical and fun for a change, then this EP is for you.