The boys spent years jamming together in the studio before deciding to record tracks for their self-titled debut EP. The seven-tracker oozes laid back vibes from late-night recording sessions, dripping in sweet synth and creamy vocals from Surfshirt.
Look, it has to be said, this is one sexy album. It’s a lush blend of funk, soul, R&B, groove and electronica, which meld into each other seamlessly. Surfshirt’s style of rapping adds texture to the downtempo sound, but not in a way that feels jarring or out of place.
Opening track ‘Ima Give Em’ draws the listener into a world of slinky beats and smooth synth, with Surfshirt crooning “Baby, I just want your body/if I can get you on your own/I’m never gonna let it go.” Melbourne rapper Nasty Mars also lends his voice to the song, providing another layer of velvety lyricism to an already rich production.
The whole EP is pretty easy listening, but that’s not to say that it’s boring or bland. All the tracks have a laidback coolness which makes them perfect for a chilled-out afternoon, but there’s also an underlying groove which undulates throughout the record and makes you want to dance along. This is particularly true of ‘Basic’ featuring Jordan Dennis, which is a total boogie track, full of funky drums, a foot-tapping bassline and a faster tempo than most of the others. None of it’s going to get you up and raving, but that’s exactly the point. It’s slower, sexier and more sophisticated than that.
What POLOSHIRT have created is a record with the best of both worlds, drawing on the strengths of each musician and mashing them together to create something fresh. This is a musical match made in heaven, and hopefully, the EP is only the start of what’s to come.
8.5/10
