Hailed by Mavis Staples as her 'favourite new band' is no mean accolade to at least make heads turn before pressing the play button. Across the seventeen minutes of playing time, it is not difficult to get a sense of the hyperbole as the core duo swap vocals to deliver a set of songs crafted to appeal.
'The Next Go Round' kicks things off with Nelson taking vocal lead in a sensuous and impassioned almost plea-induced style. It echoes one of those late night cool songs where an interlude of twangy guitar melds alongside the most expressive of vocals. Title track 'Further' digs deep into the retro soul vaults with Ritcher this time leading off before being joined on harmonised chorus. It is a punchy number that raises the heat a little from the temperate opener. 'Into the Shadows' jags back into Nelson's vocal domain and a return to a more restful place. This song has a slightly haunting backdrop to add to the theme hinted in the title.
The final two tracks of yet another record afflicted, affected or moulded by the lockdown sees Nelson raise her own vocal tempo on 'Time' which brings the sound right up to date in a contemporary sphere. Polished soul for the 2020s where a classic sheen is brushed up and a deeper inner core preserved. 'Heart is Home' closes the show and allows more airing of Ritcher's prowess of wrapping his chops around a song that ebbs and flows along. Another one sparkling with a gleam of modernity, yet brandishing its roots with transparent clarity.
FURTHER can double up as a short sampler to this melding of the old and new in respect to a soulful sound bridging a wide expanse. Dwight + Nicole know the ropes and assemble a showcase capable of being a launch pad to a wider and more populous output.
