They always say “Slow and steady wins the race“, except for professional athletes and people who are good at winning things. You know, the important stuff. Going slow never crossed the Road Runner’s mind. Face it, we live in a fast paced world, and if you can’t keep up you get left in the dust. There are not many moments we get to slow down and really soak in our surroundings, one of those of course being music. Taking this sentiment to heart Melbourne-based lo-fi group Frida have really built their sound and their latest release Slowly is proving to be a standout.
Smooth, ethereal and dreamy. Ease your way back into the week with the delectable sounds of Frida and follow the band’s advice; take it Slowly.
The band have been described as “Best enjoyed with Kahlua and milk“, which in all honesty is a pretty accurate description. Frida are smooth and easy going on the palate, all the while remaining a touch exotic which will bring the intrigued listener back for another helping. The six piece have been playing together since 2013, developing a dreamy ethereal sound made to soundtrack the most vivid of dreams. The male / female harmonies are haunting while the sparse guitar work add to the dreamy aesthetic.
Their new single Slowly is the first release for new label Wyall Style Records. Wyall Style is an imprint of established HopeStreet Recordings, itself a Melbourne born label home to many funk and soul artists. Wyall Street was established by members of Frida, taking its name from a house on Wyall Style in Brunswick West where the band and their collaborators have been able to hole up and create their art and in the process form their own label.
Slowly sounds like its name suggests, and rightfully so the video takes its cues from the vibe of the track. Directed by Oscar Strangio and Jack Ralph the clip for Slowly is a drawn out affair, a strange scene witnessed by an outsider. There is a distinct Last Supper / Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Vibe going on as it quickly becomes apparent that the banquet that has been laid out is not for eating. Instead is is tossed around casually. As each panel fuzzily comes into focus we are given more of the picture to witness; a madhouse steeped in self indulgence.
It’s an interesting video to watch, and it will (probably) make more sense if you’re high. Regardless, this a great debut release for Wyall Style Records. If you visit their website below you can get a free download of Slowly and its B-side I Want It All.
