For its fifth offering, Syndicate unleashes the highly anticipated debut release from electronic duo, Octover. The self-titled seven-track EP brings the best out of both producer and vocalist as they create their own aural palette to present a slick modern blend of R&B, soul and jazz.
A duo no stranger to Singapore’s music scene, Octover is made up of pioneering electronic producer, Jason Tan, and homegrown vocalist, Vanessa Fernandez (Vandetta). For more than a decade the pair travelled separate musical journeys, balancing profile-building productions and pursuits of passion. They bonded over cigarette-laced conversations on the mediocrity of mainstream, the search for new sounds and a mutual appreciation for all things artistic and beautiful. Since its inception, Octover has been on great stages which include the Gilles Peterson Worldwide Festival and the Esplanade Late Nite sessions.
Fernandezʼs sultry vocals sit strongly, all sensual and poised, across the entire release but yet provide the perfect space for Tan to work his magic covering a wide range of the sonic spectrum. In the opening number ‘Satisfy’, Tan nods and winks to the 90s, fusing smooth R&B groove of that decade with crispy glitches reminiscent of early Autechre.
This subtle genre referencing and musical homage can be found in all the songs featured. A salutation to soul can definitely be felt on the aptly sparse track ‘Empty’ and of course on their rendition of ‘This Womanʼs Work’. Meanwhile, ‘Time’ and ‘Hurt’ pay their respect to jazz as electronics take a back seat for more organic instrumentations to take over. Refreshing and compelling, this Octover release marks the rebirth of slick.
Octover Track Listing
01) Satisfy
02) I.A.M.
03) This Woman’s Work
04) Trois
05) Empty
06) Time
07) Hurt
Streaming and purchasing of the album is available here.
