Following Lorde’s meteoric rise to the top, New Zealand has become an unexpected exporter of understated pop. Brother-sister duo Broods are the latest name to receive mass hype, impressing with their airy brand of electronic-pop that is bound to impress those with an xx-tinged palette.
The first taster from the duo is a sophisticated and crisp collection of six tracks that more than proves their potential. Opener Never Gonna Change begins with a bass-heavy stomp, juxtaposed with the heady vocals of Georgia Nott. Nott’s voice is the star here, but Caleb Nott‘s compositions are perfectly trailered for her voice, creating an anxious atmosphere of tension with momentary release.
The rest of the EP doesn’t stray too far from the percussion heavy formula, opting for a tightly knit collection that marries together nicely. Bridges, the song most likely to see the duo up the charts, is a shuddering, synth-heavy affair that sounds as if Flume has weaved his magic through it. It’s an of-the-moment sound that is just as accessible as anything in Ellie Goulding’s catalogue. Experimental vocal layering and manipulation ensures that their sound pushes further than a straight-out pop cut.
EP closer Coattails further illustrates this by demanding attention with its thundering hip-hop inspired beats and militant chorus. It provides a welcome bit of grunt in a set that could be criticised for being a little too sweet.
Broods’ debut is proof that the duo more than deserve their place as ones to watch. It’s an assured EP that develops a staple sound. That’s an achievement worthy of envy so early on in a career. Here’s hoping they have enough tricks and variation to command attention on a full-length effort.
Broods’ self-titled debut EP is available now.
Watch: Broods – Bridges
http://youtu.be/445lUBZyC_s
