Eve Duncan, a talented singer/songwriter hailing from Melbourne, Australia, has received prestigious art music awards from various countries, including Australia, England, Vienna and Greece. Her mesmerizing compositions have resonated across the globe, with ensembles and orchestras from diverse places like Thailand to Transylvania, Manila to Manhattan, Seoul to Switzerland and Japan to Chile performing her music. Within her band, Duncan sheds the playful “plinky plonk” music and instead delves into heartfelt and profound themes centered around love. Her songs beautifully draw from her life experiences, interwoven with modal music to create a unique and captivating musical journey.
Presenting an extraordinary mix of Melbourne’s most exceptional jazz, rock and indie-pop talents, the ensemble known as Who Are These Guys boasts a diverse lineup of accomplished musicians. Among them are Amos Roach, who skillfully handles the didgeridoo, Tony Floyd, an expert on the drums, Eve Duncan, a captivating vocalist and guitarist, Gianni Marinucci, who mesmerizes with the flugelhorn, Craig Fermanis, an accomplished guitarist, Chris Pascoe, adding magic with his keyboard prowess and finally, Ben Robertson, masterfully playing the double bass. Together, they create a truly eclectic and unforgettable musical experience.
The first song on their album Wilde Honie” is the title track “Wilde Honie” and I thought the sound was very original. It starts with the didgeridoo and guitar and is quickly followed by the rhythm section. The vibe here is very relaxed and jazzy. I felt like I was in an exotic location on a beach somewhere. The lyrics are very poetic and sort of treated like spoken word but not quite. It felt a little between spoken word and singing.
The horns, shaker and percussion come together on “Pulling Us Together” which is just wonderful. I felt so relaxed listening to this song. The vocals are very well done with memorable lyrics and melodies. That horn is just fantastic as well which takes the lead a number of times.
“Unsuitable” has a reggae vibe I wasn’t expecting. It works though. It felt like a slight pivot but the band manages to keep their relaxed and jazzy signature sound. The percussion is really fantastic here. “Throw Me a Rope” is the last song and is sung in two different languages. It works very well as the closer.
This EP is such a pleasure to listen to. It’s inviting and so warm. I thought the mixing was very well done.