Live Review: 'Focus' on Fortunes. tender new single

Where ‘501s’ was lust dressed up in denim, FORTUNES. have decided to strip away the simple desires for the more tender and heartfelt track, ‘Focus’. The offering from their upcoming Undress EP maneuverers between pianos and synths under pensive musings to craft an honest exploration of what love can really do to someone’s headspace.

Fortunes. release of '501s' has been huge, with remixes from Salute, one of New York’s coolest underground rappers, Dai Burger, and a music video clip directed by Nima Nabili Rad. It’s no surprise that the follow up is just as impressive. Taking an almost tactical approach in releasing a slower, honest and complex track, Fortunes. are obviously making the most of their signing to Future Classic. They have a wide range, as already promised with their overflowing Soundcloud, but with every new release it becomes more and more obvious they are going to be a massive part of Australia’s music scene.

‘Focus’ isn’t an absolute deviation from ‘501s’. There is, for lack of better word, a similar focus on a simple and integral feeling. Fortunes. have a great skill for holding onto and growing a simple concept. ‘Focus’ features wonderful lyricism, “Brainstorms in a tea cup, all tied up on a saucer”, “Found out magic is the source of love” and “Bound like it is gravity”. The lyrics are all particularly niche explanations of consuming adoration. Fortunes. have a spectacular ability to pump out especially niche lyrics, paired with excellent production and a dizzying vocal range. Barnaby Matthew’s production is complex yet never overwhelming on ‘Focus’. It holds Conor McCabe’s vocals up, and it is on repeat listens that you realise how well they have been paired together, resulting in a seamless production duo.

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Fortunes.’ release of ‘Focus’ also heralds the announcement of their upcoming Undress EP and accompanying tour of the same name which will visit New Zealand and Australia. Fortunes. will also be releasing a 12" vinyl which will feature both their upcoming EP on the A side and the critically-acclaimed Jacket EP on the B-side.

UNDRESS TOUR

4 May - Mono, Christchurch NZ

5 May - Caroline, Wellington NZ

6 May - REC, Auckland NZ

19 May - Banquet @ World Bar, Sydney NSW

20 May - The Gasometer - Melbourne VIC

27 May - Big Pineapple Music Festival - Sunshine Coast QLD

2 June - Jack Rabbit Slims - Perth WA

3 June - Rocket Bar - Adelaide SA

Grab tickets at nicheproductions.com.au

'Focus' is out now via Future Classic. Buy/Stream it here.

WORDS BY LLOYD CRACKETT