GL are a name that you should all be familiar with by now. Between their 2016 debut record Touch, and their beautifully optimistic tune 'Destiny' released just a couple of weeks ago, this duo know how to craft a funky song. Each stroke of GL's synth-soaked brush is laced with funk and gives you an explosive masterpiece splashed with freedom, hope and promises of a good time. True to form, their newly released banger 'Reflect' is no different.
Despite the colossal 7-and-a-half minutes length of this marathon track, not once does it let up and not once are you going to slow down. GL are taking you on a long form sonic journey that reaches new heights and injects energy at every turn. "I keep looking for my own reflection/'Cause my heartbeat needs protection," lead vocalist Ella Thompson sings with the voice of an angel. The vulnerability that cloaks her voice is beautifully contrasted with the soaring melody helmed by Graeme Pogson. If that wasn't enough, 'Reflect' also features a dazzling keyboard solo from Harvey Sutherland.
Of the track, the Melbourne duo makes a note that they really wanted to try and craft a long-form track. "Reflect," says GL, "is an extended jam we made at TFS studio in North Fitzroy, Melbourne. We wanted to try a long form exploration piece...Lyrically it's about searching inward, when the outside gets a bit much."
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In case that wasn't enough, GL have also scoured the depths of Soundcloud for us and shared their thoughts on some more funky tracks for you to sink your teeth into. Beware - ingesting all these deliciously sweet jams in a row may cause a trip to the dentist.
The Light - Sorceress
Just Do You (feat. Mara TK) - Lord Echo
"We discovered some great things in NZ, as expected. They really do it right over there. Here's some Lord Echo. A bit late to the party, I know…"
Burn It Up - HIGH HØØPS
"High Høøps is a great solo project by Jordan Arts, producer and singer from Auckland. We saw him play live in Wellington recently and were blown away."
Got The Feeling (Body Corp Remix) - TEES
"We Love TEES. If you haven't seen them live, you must. 'When can I do that', you ask? 8th of July at the Oxford Art Factory with GL."
5 (Junie Morrison Cover) - Syunsuke Ono
"Strange cover of the Junie Morrison (RIP) song '5', by Syunsuke Ono. It is the story of a young boy about to turn 5, at which point he will be 'allowed' to cross the street to finally meet the love of his short (so far) life."
Le Voyage D'un Vagabond - Broadway Sounds
"Nice Frenchy vibe on this BS track, with some synthesised pan-flute wrongness. LOVE BS - They're never afraid to go there."
Jan - Retiree
"Cool, new, weird track by our weird friends, Retiree."
One (feat. Cazeaux Oslo) - Hudson James Jr.
"Here's a smooth squelcher by Melbourne legends Hudson James Jr. Feat Cazeaux Oslo called 'One'. Where's the One?"
Love On Hold (feat. Tawatha Agee) - Aeroplane
"Tawatha Agee, Legendary Vocalist of Mtume fame, recently released this incredible track with Aeroplane, the extremely skilled Belgian producer. Smart guy... She is one of THE GREATEST."
CATCH GL ON THEIR 'DESTINY/REFLECT' LAUNCH TOUR
Saturday, July 8 - Oxford Art Factory, Sydney w/ Fortunes (live), TEES (live) & Andy Garvey - tix HERE
Saturday, July 15 - Corner Hotel, Melbourne w/ Fortunes (live) & Colette - tix HERE
Words by JACKSON LANGFORD
SEE ALSO
GL PUT FATE IN THEIR HANDS WITH NEW SINGLE ‘DESTINY’