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Live Review: I'lls 'Keep'

26 June 2015 | 11:43 am | Tom Hutchins

For a track that's pretty minimal, there's a hell of lot going on - and that's why I'lls are game changers.

Off the back of a single launch that everyone's talking about (which is totally frustrating since I couldn't attend), Melbourne's I'LLS are back with the second single from their upcoming EP. It's called 'Keep' and you're gonna love it.

'Keep' offers a different side of the trio, and is the closest you'll get to their older material. Whilst 'Let Me Have Just One' was waves of downtempo, yet seriously dance-able electronica, 'Keep' is much more organic in it's soundscape. Dan Rutman's guitar work is a centrepiece, the tender tickling of the strings creating a melancholic base for the track. It's something I'lls have done so well in the past, and it's great to see the prevalence of the guitar in the new material too.

Of course that means that everything else involved is softer this time around. That's certainly not a problem, as it allows for the melodic subtleties to thrive. Hamish Mitchell's key work is perfect as always, his warm synths blanket over the guitar, and mesh to make some blissful moments. Simon Lam throws his voice around the edges of the mix, and demonstrates the haunting ability of his vocals. There isn't anyone doing what he does right now, the layers of whispers he creates are completely captivating, and the space on 'Keep' allows him to really play around with how it all sounds.

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For a track that's pretty minimal, there's a hell of lot going on - and that's why I'lls are game changers. They compose in a way that is completely their own, they create soundscapes that are completely their own, and they approach songwriting in a deep, yet distant way. Shape shifting between beautiful sounds, melodies and personal stories.

Can I Go With You To Go Back To My Country EP will be released the week commencing July 6th via Solitaire Recordings. You can pre-order it at the Solitaire Bandcamp.

Words by Tom Hutchins

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