Photo: Kristy Hal Photography
Info: Yesterday Dublin ambi-groove trio Dreaming of Jupiter released their debut EP Fading. Regulars of the Dublin live music scene for the past few years, DoJ have carefully built momentum which has both seen their fanbase grow and their music come on in leaps and bounds, crafting a truly unique sound among their peers.
It's almost exactly 2 years since I first saw Dreaming of Jupiter play live at The Workman's Club as part of the monthly Gigonometry sessions there. Fast forward to September 2018 at the same venue for the Mnásome showcase which they headlined and the difference was palpable. They impressed the first time I saw them, but in the intervening 2 years they came across as though they could play their set with their eyes closed, and the see-saw between slow-burning ambient moments and high-tempo vivacity was so entertaining.
Solid disco grooves, soul and funk with an electro-twist? Yes to all. There's a very well executed and subtle dropping of expanding synth motifs smoking their way through opening track 'Right Kind of Love', at times teetering on the edge of old school trip hop 90's such as Morcheeba or Moloko before bouncing back to the dance-floor grooves they do so well.
Another single, and my favourite on the EP, 'Let Me Down', sees the three-piece shift a number gears, offering a mature trip-hop and soul track which evidences a sharp focus on constantly moving in different directions, and not for the sake of it, but because of a genuine desire to try everything they can. In many ways, 'Let Me Down' is a microcosm between their downtempo chill sequences and upbeat electronic bursts.
Title track 'Fading' is a strong highlight on the EP, the mood ripples just above and below the line of alternative Rn'B, and not for the first time I think of the likes of SBTRKT, with frontwoman Zoë Gough's vocal a perfect fit for what Dreaming of Jupiter are aiming for. The broadness of sound and multi-genre toe-dipping comes into sharp focus on closing track 'Solace', from dance, soul, rn'b and electronic, they glide, not to mention the soothing 70's disco sound of the synths.
It's clear that Dreaming of Jupiter continue to absorb new sounds and ideas as they evolve, for such a talented group of multi-instrumentalists there is no limit to how far they can expand their sound and song-writing. Hard work and patience pays off, but it helps when you know what you're doing. The live experience is also special and highly recommended, and you can catch them at the official launch for Fading on the 29th of November at The Button Factory, ticket info is here.
Look / Like / Listen & Follow:
Website: http://www.dreamingofjupiter.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DreamingOfJup
