2018 has uncovered a new, fresh Chillout production duo in the form of AG, stylized in all lower case as ag. Recently releasing two brand new tracks, the Leeds’ musicians have completely thrown Rough Online back to the ethereal sounds of bands like Morcheeba, which kicked off with our personal favourite “Warped Minds.” The song opens with a beautifully played acoustic guitar melody reminiscent of the arpeggio performed by Melanie Doane on her 1998 song “I Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” famous for its’ appearance on the Buffy The Vampire Soundtrack, which with its’ “bending” effect between some of the note changes throws us back to the similarly “9pm Til’ I Come,” ATB’s 1999 smash hit single.
Before the UK Garage-esque, Electro percussion kicks in, vocally you are reminded of Sam Smith’s lower register and the chorus is quite simply breath-taking with the use of meditative synths and a memorable, hypnotical melody. Guaranteed the words “I need to find my own way back home,” will remain in your mind’s eye long after the song is finished while you are lost in a world of the utmost relaxation and Rough Online are quite frankly hooked on this song right now. It is definitely one of the most captivating pieces of music we have heard all year, one which you could easily compare with Everything But The Girl because of its’ “Dance meets ‘stripped down’ Acoustic” vibe, and when you hear the slight yodel in them higher register vocals you will feel an instant shiver going down your spine. “Warped Minds” is two words…emotionally understated.
“All Falls Down” on the other hand takes you on a slightly different journey with its’ unexpected and unusual Jazz-influenced major to minor chord structure performed on a Wurlitzer, and an overall cleaner sound with next to no use of reverb on the vocals and a beat containing woodblock percussion, as well as a skilfully played guitar solo in the instrumental after the chorus section…and the whole production is masterfully conquered. As the words “I don’t want to play your games, I’m better on my own” are sung in that melancholic, emotive vocal tone you are instantly thrown back to the Chillout beats of Zero 7 and Rough Online are impressed by how brilliantly these musical emotions are presented. They are without a doubt one of the best Electro bands of this year and we highly recommend you download and stream “Warped Minds” and “All Falls Down” out now.