Beacon Bloom is the brainchild of musician Ryan Ferris with supporting member James Allen, drawing on the sonic cultures and experiences collected whilst travelling the globe in search of musical inspiration. Their debut promo single Jobim provides a stable basis of electronica infused with soul, funk, and pop sensibilities going beyond the 03:30 standard, and backed by a fittingly designed cover art which reinforces the tone of the track.
Vocals are kept sparse and minimal, the main emphasis being on the groove, which progresses throughout sections of the track in a refreshingly dynamic way thanks to a well thought out arrangement, and tastefully conservative Mastering efforts provided by veteran engineer Kevin Metcalfe of Soundmasters UK. Texturally complex, the interwoven synth elements sit effortlessly amongst more traditional instrumentation of bass guitar, piano, and drums, establishing a sound reminiscent of 90’s café culture compilation discs, but with an added touch of danceable disco poured in for good measure.
Further tracks by the sonic explorers are hinted at for an early 2019 release, and if anything like what is on display here, will be ones to look out for as they establish their place amongst the cosmos.
Beacon Bloom is the musical outlet of New Zealand native Ryan Ferris.
Ryan has spent the last 5 years in 22 countries as a musical nomad, following the sun, writing and performing in the opposite seasons of Australasia and Europe.
Midnights in Berlin, hazy sunburn in Mallorca and Lisbon, the effervescent hum of Prague and Sydney and the sleepy stillness of hometown Christchurch have all collided and culminated in his latest body of work - a bedrock of groove and punchy bass; layered and soaring vocals cresting over wavey analog synths. Electronica carved from pop, chillwave, space disco, neo soul and funk.