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Live Review: Willow Beats 'Water' EP

14 September 2014 | 12:00 am | Hannah Galvin

Uncle-niece duo Willow Beats have dropped their second EP 'Water', and wow does it pay homage to its name!

Navigate a forest setting by the sea, set up camp in time for sunset and open up your chakras, for WILLOW BEATS have just dropped their Water EP and it is downright capable of enlightening your inner psyche.

Although the title is a dead giveaway, you need not be aware of it, as the six-track offering from the uncle-niece duo is just glistening in its aquatic skin. Opening with leading single, 'Merewif', Willow Beats kick things off with a kaleidescopic myriad of airy loops, gospel melodies and a variety of samples; texturalising the tune with bubbly pops, croaks and a sassy nature to the step in 'Merewif's strut.

'Ramayana' heralds three different vocal perspectives, creating an ambience from each voice as they are segregated, chanting from within a mystical cave. Encompassing a mechanical soundtrack to influence your perception of the crew digging for freedom, it is at times counteracted with the soft elemental sounds of a wet cave ceiling; transferring droplets from above to the floor of the enclosed space. This juxtaposing image at times diminishes the labourous need to escape, and compliments the differing vocal performance between Narayana Johnson and Kalyani Mumtaz.

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With the delicate pound of a rather blunt beat, Willow BeatsWater EP closes with their modest down-tempo tune, 'Ocean & Sky'. Exploring a horizon of weary synths, slippery loops and a rich melody, 'Ocean & Sky' chops and skews the vocals of Narayana Johnson, contributing to the effect of the track's elusive fate. A humble treasure, it's a pleasing way to round out Willow Beats' Water EP.

Willow Beats have definitely embedded faith in their following, as their catalogue is driven by their distinct, ethereal sound. Inheriting serenity and a sense of escapism with each song they produce, Willow Beats are a prime example of the great originality and creativity coming from Australia's innovative music scene.

Grab your digital copy of Willow BeatsWater EP on iTUNES; available now through Pilerats Records!

Words by Hannah Galvin.

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