Brand new London based jazz-electronic quartet respair are pleased to announce their debut release with the arrival of ‘Colours’, lifted from the upcoming EP ”The original colour of the sun’ due later this year.
A masterclass in song craftsmanship, respair draw on a myriad of influences from soul, jazz, electronics, pop and classical, carefully curated to create an exploratory, free-flowing sound. They say: “Colours is a mesmerising mix of cold electronics, warm vocals and raw emotion that creates a buoyant pulse and a mood that is subtly optimistic. The song explores vulnerability, opening up and being at peace – effortlessly moving from soaring beats to lush piano sounds. Whilst the song has a conversational, even revelatory tone – it is actually a dialogue with oneself, a moment of introspection, inner freedom and enjoying the act of being your true self.”
Introducing respair through loving dedication and a powerful live show, have carefully honed a body of work that is palpably hypnotic and cinematic. Sonically, they are a reflection of the four members’ diverse tastes and backgrounds – bringing jazz sensibilities, classical training, emotive vocals and an eclectic, soulful palette to each composition. Lyrically, their work grapples with what it means to be part of racial/ethnic minority communities, understanding inner conflict, queer identity and isolation, creating a sound interwoven with difficult truths and laden with profound meaning.
The project’s pre-covid days culminated in a riotous performance at Ronnie Scott’s which truly confirmed their arrival on the London jazz scene. Following the pandemic hiatus, respair resolved to pick themselves up and begin again – to reverberate, hypnotise and weave tones, textures and emotions.
But amidst their deeply-charged live shows, respair also play with restraint. A deft, tasteful form of restraint that leaves the voices of these four musicians delicately moving you as one. And it is here, amidst these fragile, psychedelic worlds they’ve created, that you find the band’s true magic – arresting, poignant stories that evoke distinct pasts and serene melodies that both envelop and free you, sending you off towards an odyssey-like horizon, healing you like some mystical revelation. A return to hope, true to the name.
The debut EP ‘The Original Colour of the Sun’ from respair is due to come out in 2023.
Colours / 10th February
https://www.instagram.com/respair/
