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CLOSE COUNTERS
announce
‘FLUX’ EP
vinyl

Click to stream ‘FLUX’ 

New single, Tour Dates
and music video

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Support for previous single ‘SPEAK IN TRUTH’

“Wicked. It’s a potent jazz-leaning collaborative” – Clash Mag (UK)

“I love that record… a perfect insight into the Melbourne jazz-scene!” – Jamz Supernova – BBC Radio 1Xtra (UK)

“Close Counters have really carved out a place in this future soul sound that both puts me at ease and gives me a little excitement for the weekend ahead.” – Declan Byrne – triple j (AUS)

Added to rotation on triple j unearthed, Double J, RAGE, SYN

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Following their ‘SPEAK IN TRUTH’ collaboration with renowned vocalist Allysha Joy (which gained support from Jamz Supernova, Huey Morgan, triple j unearthed and Mixmag) and single ‘UP AND OUT’ (which was championed by Bradley Zero, XLR8R & NME), Melbourne based production duo Close Counters prepare to release their highly anticipated ‘FLUX’ EP which is now available for vinyl pre-orders here.

The ‘FLUX’ EP combines broken-beat flavours with the duo’s signature soundscape at the crossroads of house, neo-soul, hip-hop and disco. The EP oozes warmth and uplifting vibes, it’s textural palette and tight grooves perfectly complimenting each other throughout.

On the records created, the duo explain: “The ‘FLUX’ EP is a colourful array of four songs we made at the tail end of 2019 and the start of 2020. These tunes continue our deeper exploration of dance and house music, projecting positivity through rhythm and song writing. Having started playing live with a full band during the development of this project we have incorporated a lot more live playing in these recordings. With a background in jazz we thrive off the spontaneity of jamming and improvising when developing our music and are constantly trying to find the sweet spot between multiple musical worlds of groove.”

The visual aspect of the EP was directed by band member Finn Rees under his Piewack moniker, who’s previous clients include Groovin’ The Moo, Paul Bender, 30/70 and ZFEX. This work includes use of his signature hand drawn animation in film-clips and visualisers – as well as some new techniques including drawing on super 8 film. The balance of organic and electronic elements are reflected in both the visuals and the music. A prime example of Finn’s work appears on their recent music video for ‘SPEAK IN TRUTH’ which was premiered by Clash Mag.

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With ‘SOMETHING IN MY DRINK’ featuring fellow Melbournian JAYDEAN acting as the EP’s focus track, Close Counters recount wanting to: “capture the warmth and atmosphere of crate digging for funk records, mixing in waves of drum breaks, samples and live instruments. Whilst the song is an uptempo groove, it touches on the very serious topic of drink spiking. JAYDEAN’s lyrics tell the story of the broken trust, anxieties, and the physical discomfort that occurs to someone who has had their drink spiked. For lovers of Thundercat and Kaytranada – we’re channeling that new funk sound.”

Off the back of three sold out shows for their Melbourne Music Week events at Colour Club, and selling over 2,000 tickets at Sidney Myer Music Bowl with The Murlocs, the band have announced tickets are now on sale for a string of headline dates (plus tour supports with electro-pop stars Confidence Man).

With a knack for flow and re-inventing, the past 12 months has seen Close Counters turn in remixes for the likes of Young Franco & Denzel Curry and Bag Raiders (which was premiered by Phil Taggart on BBC Radio 1) as well as fellow Melbourne natives 30/70 Collective (on Rhythm Section).

After a move across the Bass Straight a few short years ago from Hobart, the duo expanded and enlisted a full 7-piece setup with live-percussion, woodwind and stringed instruments joining the tour de-force on stage which features dancers from their greater collective. In a relatively short spanning career, Close Counters have swept crowds supporting Sofi Tukker, Roland Tings, Tall Black Guy and their most recent East Coast headline tour of Australia saw the team continue to sell out shows with an impressive 1,100 tickets across two shows at Melbourne’s infamous The Night Cat after gracing the Meredith Music Festival stage at midnight ahead of Liam Gallagher on the billing to which the amphitheater was left heaving and punters enthralled.

Close Counters’ works have been supported by tastemakers Indie Shuffle, Giles Peterson, NME, XLR8R, Mixmag, Pilerats, EARMILK, The Sound You Need, Stoney Roads and radio crews at BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 6, triple j, Worldwide FM, KEXP Seattle, NTS, FLUX FM and Balamii. All the while collecting millions of streams and cementing their status as one of Australia’s hottest house and soul exports.

‘FLUX’ EP is available Friday, 26th March

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CLOSE COUNTERS
Upcoming Tour Dates

SAT APR 10 | GREAT ESCAPE MUSIC FESTIVAL, MOUNT FIELD, TAS
Click for tickets

FRI APR 23 | MEADOW FESTIVAL, BAMBRA VIC
SOLD OUT*

FRI MAY 07 | FRIDAY JUICE, WOLLONGONG NSW
Free Event – Click to RSVP

SUN MAY 09 | MARY’S UNDERGROUND, SYDNEY NSW
Click for tickets

SAT MAY 15 | ALTAR, HOBART TAS
Click for tickets

SAT MAY 22 | FELONS BARREL HALL, BRISBANE QLD
Click for tickets

FRI MAY 28 | 170 RUSSELL, MELBOURNE VIC
Click for tickets

SAT MAY 26 | THE TIVOLI, BRISBANE QLD
SOLD OUT**

SAT JUN 05 | FORUM, MELBOURNE VIC*
SOLD OUT**

FRI JUN 18 | ROUNDHOUSE, SYDNEY NSW
SOLD OUT**

**Performing with Confidence Man

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Click to stream ‘FLUX’ 

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