- Brisbane trio Middle Name Dance Band have just released their second record, suitable titled Middle Name Dance Tracks Vol. 2. This follow up volume is the effort of collaborators Megan Christensen (keys), Sam Stosurr (bass/keys) and Sampology (sampler/sequncer/mixing duties). They’ve managed to elaborate upon their sound over these four new tracks, taking a jazzy/improivisational approach to disco and house.
Love Bite kicks Vol. 2 off, a solid slice of disco boogie. The vocoder, like Lite Me Up era Herbie Hancock, punctuates the beginning of the track. The arrangement is simply excellent, with amazing horn harmonies and a deft mix of percussion and vocals. There’s a goosebump inducing break in the last minute which is simply divine. I feel like Weekend Love Chant is already a classic by this point; if you don't know it, get to. Deeper Than Love is a new direction for the band as well, going in a more Latin direction. I like the melodic motif that reemerges at various stages throughout the song. It has some Kaidi Tatham breakbeat vibes mixed with Leon Ware’s Brazilian works with Marcos Valle.
Lover’s Carnival explores similar territory, invoking the likes of Azymuth. Beautiful piano on this, and again another top notch arrangement.
Middle Name Dance Band have knocked it out of the park again. Taking their distinctively jazzy approach to contemporary disco and dance sounds. They've developed their sound, maintaining an exceptionally high level of musicianship! With the possible exception of Harvey Sutherland and Bermuda who are themselves big fans of the band, there’s no better disco three piece.
- Hillfolk.