The Breakdown
Meanjin/Brisbane-based electronic artist and producer Du0 is releasing his gorgeous debut EP ‘LIFT’ (produced by the artist himself and mixed by Mario Borgatta – alt-J, Major Lazer, Foster The People). and we are very honoured to be able to bring you an early listen before its release tomorrow.
The music is shimmering and cinematic: wide expansive sonic spaces that are layered and coloured with a sparkle and shine that seem to float effortlessly in the ether like billowing clouds. Vocals on the opening two tracks ‘Overflow’ and ‘Come Home’ from singer Emily Coulston are divine – touched with a melancholia that is matched by the synths and soft, velvet-lined and angelic.
The third track is a cover of The Offspring’s ballad ‘Gone Away’ which is a completely satisfying refresh of the original, leaving the indelible pop melodies intact and injecting multiple electronic layers with a touch of saxophone and beautiful dreamy vocals.
‘Barely Breathing is a duet with meanjin/Brisbane artist mou which bubbles and pops with an aquatic flow and a high stepping insistent beat. The EP ends with the bright arpeggiated guitars of ‘Lost For A Little While’ – a wistful traipse that has folk influences and a spirited whirl while the layered vocals are yearning.
Du0 is the moniker of Meanjin/Brisbane-based producer Ryan Dobbrick, and he says of ‘LIFT’:
This is my first EP and after exploring a bunch of different electronic styles and tracks in the past, I was keen to put together a cohesive group of songs that would stand alone as its own body. As a whole I wanted the EP to sonically be an uplifting experience (hence the name LIFT) but wanted to continue to explore a range of themes lyrically from darkness to light to reflect the ups and downs of life.
‘LIFT’ is an atmospheric journey filled with ambulatory sonic layers that glisten and undulate under the most indelible and luscious melodies. The music and instrumentation evoke an eighties-influenced M83 style at times – a sort of neon-lit ambiance, and at times there is a touch of the Balearic Sound with a sun-soaked beachside sparkle. ‘LIFT’ is out everywhere tomorrow, but treat yourself to a warm sonic bath right here:
You can catch Du0 live on Saturday, 9 July 2022 at the Waghorn to West Festival – details and tickets here.
No Comment