Electric Empire

Collaboration is an art Melburnian musicians really manage to nail. Joining the likes of soulsters the Bamboos and the Ray Mann Three super group (two distinct words in an un-Jack-Whitian sense), talented trio Electric Empire got up offa that thang and made some damn fine music for show and tell. Harnessing and caressing the power […]
Bridie Connellan
August 23, 2010

Overview

Collaboration is an art Melburnian musicians really manage to nail. Joining the likes of soulsters the Bamboos and the Ray Mann Three super group (two distinct words in an un-Jack-Whitian sense), talented trio Electric Empire got up offa that thang and made some damn fine music for show and tell. Harnessing and caressing the power of Stevie Wonder, Curtis Mayfield and Donny Hathaway with one fell bass swoop and a series of handclaps, this Melbournian threesome bring a raw contemporary approach to soul that proves Aussies actually know how to use a flanger and a horn section.

As the production/songwriting/performing brainchild of Dennis Dowlut (founding member of electronic R'n'B ARIA-nabbing duo Disco Montego), the man's persistence in crafting music with such feel and sincerity is wonderfully admirable given the loss of brother and musical partner Darren to cancer in 2005. With a new sound, a new scene and a newly soulful lease on life, Electric Empire is certainly the sunshine after the rain, and my my what rays it casts.

With schmick production, a live explosion of horns and clavs and an alleged hand-picked invite to perform at Baz Luhrmann's Christmas party last year, the fresh crew features jazz-laden keys from Aaron Mendoza and the Motown snaps of percussionist Jason Heerah to create one smooth ride of a soul machine. With a debut album independently recorded, produced and promoted on the trio's own label Electric Empire Music, the bass is workin' and the Moogs are pulsin' as single 'Baby Your Lovin' lights up the deep rhythmic scene of Australia's more recent seventies throwdown. Behold ladies and gentlefolk — a new Empire has arisen.

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