There’s definitely some beautiful music being made out there and much of it coming from places outside of the states. Just like food, good music is the common connector of people which is why we were so drawn to this 7” / EP from Melbourne band, The Do Yo Thangs (what a name!). Their debut EP “One Plus One” is a collection of sensual slow jams and bumping future soul dominated by rich, four voice harmonies. The EP is the result of many years of soul searching for songwriter / drummer / singer Hugh Rabinovici and his right hand lady, vocalist Audrey Powne (Au Dré). The two met some years ago in the drab corridors of jazz school and bonded over a shared love of Erykah Badu and desired to spread their creative wings. The combination of Hugh’s writing and Audrey’s vocals immediately gelled and before graduating they’d assembled a gifted cohort of musicians that went onto become The Do Yo Thangs.
One Plus One is equal parts performance and programming, drawing from a broad palette of live instruments and electronic sounds. At the front, Hugh and Audrey alternate lead vocal duties, supported by harmony singers Maddie Otto and Tiaryn Griggs. Backing them, the guitar sound is classic soul but the plethora of synthesizers and 808 kick drums is definitely not, nodding equally to Vangelis or Hiatus Kaiyote. The more you listen, the more intricacy is discovered. The writing uses jazz elements and odd rhythmic devices, but it’s all tucked away – there’s nothing that intrudes into the foreground or interferes with the song’s abilities to speak to an audience.
Available for pre-order via http://www.hopestreetrecordings.com