When the auditory pleasures of Atlanta-based production duo Bells and Robes recently crossed my path, I paid attention – for more reasons than love of our shared hometown. Ambient chillwave and upbeat bass music live in perfect harmony within the sound design of Bells and Robes, interweaving elements of two of my favorite electronic niches. I was lucky enough to preview their recent EP Pleasures Of Mind, and particularly connected with one track that brought a tasteful hit of brass into the equation. EARMILK is proud to premiere "Contrast," a loungey, atmospheric cut laden with a satisfying intermingling of saxophone and synth. Captivating sax comes courtesy of Clark Smith, the saxophone player for live tech house trio Dynohunter.
Bells and Robes is comprised of Luke Sipka on keyboard and Dean Spaniol on drums and samples, who jam live over lush self-produced tracks. The two-piece came together creatively upon the 2012 winter solstice, and has grown in esteem since. Today they boast a resume featuring performances at many of the South's elite festivals including Suwannee Hulaween, Sweetwater 420 Festival, Imagine Festival, and Purple Hatter’s Ball. Luke and Dean have shared the stage with the likes of ODESZA, Emancipator, Mr. Carmack, Haywyre, and Papadosio. "Sound comes to the ear, the ear goes to sound, " reads the duo's bio. "When you blot out sound and sense, what do you understand? While listening with ears one never can understand. To understand intimately one should see sound." It's a perfect description of the vivid soundscapes Bells and Robes paint. Don't miss "Contrast" and the rest of Pleasures Of Mind when it drops on 2/28.
Pleasures Of Mind track list:
1. White Glow
2. Contrast (Ft. Clark Smith)
3. Pleasures Of Mind
4. Tell Me Who I Am (Ft. The Delta Troubadours)
5. Euphoria (Ft. Animal Prince)
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