Live Review: Feels team up with MISSY on percussive pop banger 'Bad4me'

Perth's dynamic electro-pop duo FEELS have teamed up with New Zealand singer and producer MISSY for the dark yet irresistably bouncy track 'Bad4me'. It's the first of many exciting things to come for the duo in 2019, as they also announced a showcase at this year's South By Southwest Festival.

Feels (aka Elise Reitze and Rosie Taylor) create absolutely sublime ear-worm pop, but they also do it in what is probably the coolest way possible. Their setup combines a four-octave electronic marimba/xylophone with 11 electronic sample pads, with an average of six sticks smacking things at any given moment. Combined with classical percussion training, the result is an utterly unique take on electronic pop that is constantly moving with you. The duo also run Women of Music Production Perth, or WOMPP, a label that plays a huge role in bridging the gender equality gap in music.  'Bad4me' sees the duo explore darker territory, touching on the fickle nature of desire via the medium of minimal electro pop.

The rhythmic nature of Feels' production hits you right out of the gate, with every sound - from glitchy production to glittery synth stabs - attacking you with ferocity. The extremely minimal mix heightens the effect greatly - the many layers of Missy's vocals are given plenty of room to soar, and the melodic synth stabs carry an almost sinister weight with them. The fascinating balance between this dark undertone and the hook-filled pop sound is one of many elements that make 'Bad4Me' an absolute delight to listen to.

I don't think there's anything else that sounds quite like Feels. With a tight grip on percussive production and warped pop songwriting, this Perth duo have something absolutely unique on their hands, and I have a feeling that 2019 is going to be the year everybody knows it.

Of the support they've received for this project, Feels would "like to thank The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries for their support of this project".

IMAGE: SUPPLIED

Words by MAX LEWIS

LISTEN TO MORE NEW MUSIC HERE

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