LISTEN: 30/70 Release Album 'Live At La Défense'
‘Live at La Défense’ makes quick work of transporting you to a warm Parisian evening, with a fruity cocktail in hand and magic in the air…
Purveyors of all things smooth, sensual, and good for the soul, Melbourne band 30/70 have released a new album that ticks all those boxes, and many more (sure we’re a bit late to the party with this one, but better late then never right?). Recorded live in Paris at La Défense during their 2019 ‘Fluid Motion’ tour, the album released via Rhythm Section acts as a tip of the hat to the unfortunate cancellation of their 2020 European tour, and a stunning reminder of the energy and sense of community that comes with live performance.
La Défense in Paris
Setting the scene for where the album was recorded, “[This is] the first show of our 2019 European Summer Tour, 40 degrees, full sun and it tastes like Aperol Spritz, sunsets at Worldwide Festival, menthol cigarettes and dancing all night at the Bussey Building, Peckham!”. Aaah, how good is imagining NOT being in lockdown, and instead being in Paris with 30/70?
They are a band exploring influences such as J Dilla, Erykah Badu, and Ella Fitzgerald, and their unique output describes itself as nu-jazz, earning them relentless praise, both locally and abroad. If you don’t want to take our word for it, then take it from Gilles Peterson who has publicly endorsed the band.
A stroll through the 8-track project showcases an incredible range. The title track ‘Fluid Motion’ opens with front-woman Allysha Joys’ warm welcome to the crowd ‘we’re 30/70, thank you for being here’, before unleashing vocals that soar above the band’s tightly curated arrangement. it is very clear why Allysha is so often compared to Grammy-nominated Hiatus Kaiyote frontwoman, Nai Palm.
‘Steady Hazin’ lends its jazz instrumentation to a more experimental style of production. A relentless kick drum echoes throughout the track, mimicking the electronic sample the studio version of the track features. A warm spread of bass, sax, keys, guitar, and drums playfully dance around each other throughout the project, allowing each element-time to stand in the spotlight, and to make space for every other component.
Overall, the album allows you the sweet escape from the mundanity of everyday life. It’s not hard to imagine yourself in the stunning outdoor surrounds of La Défense, warm summer sun on your skin, cold beverage in hand, and a sense of euphoria in the air. Claps and cheers heard from the audience within the recordings, give a fleeting and beautiful moment of respite from the restrictions that the bands home city of Melbourne currently finds itself within. Sit back, relax, and allow yourself to be seduced by the magic of 30/70.