Strawberry Swing – Taste the Berry (2021)
With their debut EP Taste the Berry, Strawberry Swing is making a statement about who they are and why you should be hooked to their music. Using tracks that deal with everything from love to loss and power, they work through groovy waves of emotion with a fun and funky sound. With a touch of Motown funk merging with epic danceable beats, they are really staking a claim to their unique sound.
The band was founded by friends Mark (drums) and Nima (keyboard) with the intent to make fun pop music using live instruments and thoughtful lyrics. This has been brought to sonic glory through the EP with the help of guest vocalist Lily Rose. If you are looking for an impressive new band to fall in love with, this might just be the EP and band that you need.
The EP opens with the slightly melancholic tones of ‘Dusk’. The song has a light feeling to the melody that is tinged with a sadness that delicately tugs at your senses. The key-driven melody twinkles at times with a dusk tone that is equal parts warmth and sadness. Rose’s vocals have a dreamy edge to them as she flows over you with the story of the track. The lyrics bring a catchy balance of melancholy, fun, rebirth and a sense of moving forward. Every element of the track comes together to form a solid river of sound that sweeps you into the musicality of the band.
‘Blue Moon’ has your feet tapping to the beats from the first note. There is an insanely catchy vibe to the track that hooks you and will not let go until the very last note. You can’t really help but want to move to the rhythm of the track while Rose’s vocals soulfully slide into your ears. The backing vocals and harmonisations are rather decadent and drip through your senses like warm honey. Later in the track, the pace drops for a relaxing float that you easily vibe to.
The subtle yet soulful tones of ‘Get Around’ have a smoky feeling to them as they pull you in with their seductive vibes. The piano has an almost bluesy feeling in the opening which rides into a gentle Motown funk. The increase in tempo is so wonderfully handled that you are left thinking that there is no other way for the melody to move. The vocals are different on this track as it is a duet and brings a delightful conversation. As you get down to the funky grooves of the single, the vocals are a meditation on sex and relationships. The musical arrangement of this single is amazing making it my favourite track on the EP.
The EP comes to an end with some serious disco vibes in ‘Girl on Fire’. From the first moment, you are forced to move to the danceable tones of the track. Honestly, there is no other option. The melody is all glitter balls and spinning fun that makes you really happy. The piano line is addictive while the beats sink into your muscles and will not give up. Rose’s vocals have a bounce to the delivery that works so well with the dancing melody. There is a word of warning in the lyrics, but this is so wonderfully threaded into the overall fun of the track.
With Taste the Berry, Strawberry Swing is letting you know why they are a band you should seriously keep your eye on. Each track has a different energy while retaining the overall fun that the band is looking for. The swings from funk to soul to disco showcase their musicality while getting you addicted to the danceable nature of all their music.
Find out more about Strawberry Swing on their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
