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Drax Project - EP Review: Drax Project self-titled EP

22 Dec 2014 // A review by Andrew Smit

Drax Project, a 4 piece Hip-Hop/Alternative band from Wellington have produced a superb debut EP with 4 tracks full of groovy beats, loaded with superb vocals from Shaan Singh, whose voice is amazingly smooth yet soulful and full of melodic strength, to the point where its sounds like another instrument, thanks to the occasional addition of some good symphonic sound effects!

The not so obvious jazz influences are evident in sections, they appear and reappear around other funk and disco beat elements. It all comes together quite seamlessly and each track works as either a dance track or as an individual listening experience. Here is a rundown of each track;

1 Real after a stylish synth intro were introduced to Shaan’s soulful vocals, this track has lovely funk and jazz fusion with great guitar work and neat rhythms.

2 City In Lights has a hell of a groovy rhythm, with a Hip RnB verse, there’s a funky and gritty low sax driven riff, capped off with a great sax solo.

3 Watching a dynamic aural sax intro leads to a very cool “wrap” from featured artist “Name UL, Ants Ransley” complimented with a chorus of smooth crooning.

4 See In Colour has fine Jazz beats with funky guitar supplying nice colour, and the chorus is bursting with expressive melody and feeling.

I imagine it was an experience trying to capture some of the energy and unique live sound that only a Drax Project gig can supply, but they have achieved a very polished and dynamic EP for you to turn up and enjoy.

 

About Drax Project

While studying jazz at college in Wellington, Drax Project — Shaan Singh, Matt Beachen, Sam Thomson and Ben O’Leary — took what they learned in class and applied it to another pursuit, making pop their own. The group gained a following after re-working vocal hooks of famous pop songs into saxophone licks. Their cover of Kimbra's track Goldmine went viral and caught the attention of an influential producer, giving acclaim to the newly-introduced group.

Signing to 300 Entertainment stateside as single Woke Up Late took off everywhere, they accompanied Famous Dex on the standout single Light from his chart-topping 2018 debut Dex Meet Dexter which bowed at #12 on the Billboard Top 200.

As Drax Project continued to make their imprint in the US music scene, they gave hit single Woke Up Late a fresh take with a feature from Hailee Steinfeld. As the single climbed to the top of the radio charts, they released a music video featuring YouTube sensation, Liza Koshy. The video took off everywhere reaching 1 million views in a mere 24 hours.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Drax Project

Releases

T/W/OO
Year: 2016
Type: EP
Drax Project EP
Year: 2014
Type: EP

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