LISTEN: Highly Minogue Is Gud 4 You
It’s only a matter of time before Highly Minogue becomes highly in-vogue…
Imagine being inspired to write a killer four-track EP after going to a Westfield Mall Shopping Centre and hearing the 2005 Madonna single 'Sorry' drift from those tinny centre speakers. That is the story behind Melbourne-based Highly Minogue's very entertaining sophomore release, Gud 2 Each Other, Not 4 Each Other. Legend has it Mr Minogue got so inspired by the experience he focused on 'connecting his odd inspirations to more familiar electronic sounds'. Two things: (1) We would love to hear more about his other odd inspirations and (2) we need to hang out more in Westfield shopping centres for inspiration.
One quick listen to title track 'Gud 2 Each Other, Not 4 Each Other', however, and those connections become obvious. It's a lively Bassline House cut that defies the down-tuned vocals urging you to 'Please don't say you're sorry. I've heard it all before.' It's hella fun and will make you shoulder shrug vivaciously. With an elastic bassline and loopy melodies, 'Fishman Karate' is a slower ride through loose house. The slow-roasted beats of opening track 'Yugiboi' is vintage early-2000s UK Garage (a la Twice as Nice) and features a non-English vocal sample. The voice has a sleazy vibe, like a guru trying to convince you the only way to enlightenment is via sex with him.
The package is complete with three remixes as good as the originals. Super Jupiter turns the title track into a stuttering 4/4 cosmic delight that growls and swirls. The Aphex Twin Style jungle of Ekzander’s Ten Amen remix is raucous, perfectly mirroring that unhinged vocals’ weirdness. Coming in strong as a contender for the best remix, however, is the shit hot take from the delightfully named Froth Whitlam. His remix of ‘Fishman Karate’ is so dank that after hearing it you will need a towel to wipe the sweat from your brow.
Pure club gear.