rum do - lay down, lovers

RUM DO

​lay down, lovers
self-released; 2017

4.0 out of 5 - TOP ALBUM 

​By Matt Jensen

RUM DO is experimental electronic pop duo consisting of Harry Perry and William Bembridge. The duo met in London but currently Bambridge resides in Toronto and Perry in Sweden. They released an exceptional five-song EP entitled lay down, lovers which accompanies visuals. 

In all honesty the music is all I needed to be entertained but the visual component was another factor that could possibly enhance the experience Either way I think an album like this should be experienced both ways. I’d say take a listen first and then add the visuals after but that's just me.

The music isn’t full on experimental. Let’s just say it's not like Fennesz or Visible Cloaks. I thought the experimental aspects were easy to digest often tastefully implemented into more palatable rhythms and melodies. This can be heard on the opener “Dogged Situ” which was a clear highlight. 

A buzzsaw synth bass layers on top of ethereal vocals and trip-hop inspired beats. The vocals reminded me somewhat of Bobby Gillespie from Primal Scream. The most experimental part comes in about a-minute-and-a-half but quickly gives way to the infectious vocal melody.

“Mood” combines layer upon layer in a space age type atmosphere. The lines blur between what is coming from where in a pretty great way. I thought the way the music transforms into an ambient mist was quite original.

“Whisper” has a different feel. It’s a darker and more comparable to an artist like Burial. It felt more apt for an underground club where party people are staying up beyond the witching hour. “Hey Simon” while still a solid track but I didn’t like the vocals treated as another instrument. It’s a personal preference that you could certainly debate. They close strong with “Wedding Day” where they perfectly meld experimental tendencies with melodic phrases.

The EP lay down, lovers is quite a ride from beginning to end. This is required listening.

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