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TOI - EP Review: TOI

17 Jun 2021 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Award winning seven-piece Wellington band TOI (Tunes of I), are releasing their highly anticipated self-titled EP. Accompanying the release is a four date nationwide tour of Wellington, Christchurch, Auckland and Raglan. Although COVID delayed the release plans, it has not stopped them from launching a string of wining singles which includes Thinking Too Much, I Want You and Chameleon.


The original fresh sound which developed over six years, has taken a new turn with a rich dub feel infused with funky pop and soul. TOI the band produce a lush sound, full of depth and textures. TOI, the EP is a reflection of their skill and musicianship. A fusion of drums, bass, vocals and guitars enhanced by some of Wellingtons finest horn players, resulting in a kaleidoscope of magnetic tunes.

TOI the EP has six tracks of light, carefree, summery vibes. Opening with I Want You, an infectious, smooth and funky tune that lays the frame work for a superb EP loaded with RnB vibes and entrancing grooves. A personal favourite, Chameleon is an upbeat track accompanied by a colourful video which "channels that euphoric feeling you get when you’re having a great time, and is about pulling someone else into that bubble with you". The music and lyrics create a joyous ambience.

This EP has signaled a new direction in the bands musical journey with a newly found appreciation of pop, it "delves into sonic territories" as an addition to the captivating melodies and grooves to which TOI have seen an ever increasing fan base.

This has a sound along the lines of The Black Seeds, Vince Harder and Fat Freddy's Drop with a touch of Shapeshifter. Tight production and smooth groovy tunes, more than enough to lift your spirits on a cold winters day.

Rating: ( 5 / 5 )
 

About TOI

Born out of the famed New Zealand School of Music in 2011, the then three piece band has spent the last six years expanding their repertoire (and members) into a full seven piece ensemble. Featuring a solid backbone of drums, bass, vocals and guitars, and complemented by some of Wellington's finest horn players, TOI (Tunes of I) - is renowned around the country for their original, tight and refreshingly dynamic live performances.

Having recently celebrated six years as a band, TOI have been working hard to cement their place in the New Zealand music scene. Most notably, the past few years has seen the award-winning band advance in leaps and bounds from their humble beginnings. In 2014 they were recipients of funding from theaudience.co.nz, resulting in their music video Give In, which enjoyed more than six weeks on rotation on Edge TV. They then pursued more than 25 shows around the country in summer 2014/15, rivaled only by a tour of slightly more magnitude the following summer, which celebrated the release of their debut album Restless at the end of 2015.

Restless - the result of a Kickstarter campaign which raised more than $13 000 - was recorded in Surgery Studios by Lee Prebble, mastered by Mike Gibson of Munki Studios, and produced by Barnaby Weir of The Black Seeds and Fly My Pretties. Its release at the end of 2015 was celebrated with performances at Rhythm & Vines and Soundsplash, plus more than 25 shows around the country as support and headlining acts alike.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for TOI

Releases

Waves
Year: 2024
Type: Album
TOI
Year: 2021
Type: EP
Wicked Ways
Year: 2017
Type: EP
Restless
Year: 2015
Type: Album
Buy Online @ Mightyape
T.O.I
Year: 2014
Type: EP

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