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Live Review: Ribongia escapes the winter with double-A side of 'Before The Winter' and 'Sonder'

23 May 2017 | 8:10 am | Abbey Lenton

Back to back and each a helluva track: 'Before the Winter' and 'Sonder' are the latest releases from Italy-via-Aus producer Ribongia.

Back to back and each a helluva track: 'Before the Winter' and 'Sonder' are the latest releases from Italy-via-Aus producer RIBONGIA. Both songs were released as a double-A side, but are solid listens respectively. Their poppy appeal is edged up by playful instrumentals and cunningly layered sounds.

The leading song 'Before the Winter' is a shimmery tune with some real mainstream appeal to it. Quite literally sparkling, it begins with the charm of a chime. 'Before the Winter' features the vocals and rapping of Sydney's JANNAH BETH and Cape Town's YOUNGSTACPT.

Each artist nails the tropical tune, and brings their own thing to the table. Jannah Beth's enunciation is choppy and unconventional, lending to the subtle reggae vibe of the song. YoungstaCPT throws it right back with a rap that is never too afraid to go its own way. The way he says "Or is it seasonal?" will genuinely make you smile, I promise.

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After all the summery sprightliness, at the very end the music slows as Jannah Beth sings a gorgeous outro. An excellent way to end considering the complete change of pace that comes with the next song. 'Sonder' is next up, and it is shaped more like a club banger than its more structured precursor. Its wild, using earthy sounds to fill every silence. 'Sonder' is an instrumental that has the rise and fall of every great dance floor hit.

The tracks roll in one after the other. It is interesting to think why they were released this way rather than as separate singles. Varying in length, melody and even genre, there is no doubt that each song would find success in its own right. But there is something special about the double-A side release, Ribongia has crafted two songs that feel like they belong together.

Both tracks will feature on Ribongia's forthcoming album, due out later this year.

Words by ABBEY LENTON

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