Live Review: Strict Face turns up the thermostat with new EP, 'This Heat'
'This Heat' sees Strict Face exploring left of centre pop over 5 tracks, while still staying true to the idiosyncratic production and energy he's known for.
Off the back of his most recent single 'Afterparty', STRICT FACE has just dropped his first EP through NLV Records called This Heat. Touted as Australia's grime lord, the Adelaide producer incorporates dancehall, pop and RnB sounds on this release. Of this new direction Strict Face himself called this new era "Stricty Goes Pop, Phase One" saying this bright new sound came from a desire to go in a totally different direction to his last release. And that he did.
Across 5 tracks, Strict Face explores left of centre pop while still maintaining the idiosyncratic production and energy we expect from his tracks. Teaming up with a number of guest collaborators, this EP is an eclectic mix of club and pop that's set to heat up dance floors worldwide.
This Heat opens with 'Silk Swathes', a downtempo chiller thats simultaneously inspired by old school RnB and the syncopation of grime. The track eases you into Strict Face's world with a sprinkling of airy pads, distorted bells and fine tuned percussion.
Strict Face teams up with UK producer Tarquin on 'Afterparty', as they put their heads together to deliver a dancehall flavoured club track. Featured vocalist Yayoyanoh's gruff vocals are a perfect foil for the jilted beat and peppy synths of the production.
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Sophiegrophy brings some extra intensity to 'Cobra Charm', with the Melbourne rapper matching the high energy of Strict Face's beat. Rhymes are delivered in her New Zealand/Australian hybrid accent to create a unique grimey experience over snappy drums and buzzing synths.
'Mirage Motif' provides a sonic palette cleanser after the hugeness of the EP, stripping it back with plenty of jittery percussion and detuned melodies. Euphoric pads bubble under layered bells as the dense synths contrast with the staccato hits of the beat and melody.
The EP ends on an instrumental for 'Cobra Charm' that really shows off Strict Face's intricate production and knack for club bangers. In fact, the whole of This Heat does just that, proving that Strict Face has such a good grasp on his work that he can apply himself to pretty much any genre and still come out with a product that is uniquely his. This Heat is now available for streaming or downloading through the listening service of choice here.
Catch Strict Face as NLV Records celebrates their 2nd birthday and Stricty's new release with parties in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney later this month featuring Swick, Nina Las Vegas and Lewis Cancut.
Biggies At Bertram - Adelaide - October 21st
Boney - Melbourne - October 26th
Oxford Arts Factory Gallery Bar - Sydney - October 27th
WORDS BY HOLLY O’NEILL
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