Sophie and Michael’s fabulous five piece was formed in order to share a vibrant repertoire that the pair have been curating since mid-way through 2022. Previously, the fruit of this creative partnership could be heard on the second disc of DUALITY, the 2021 album by The Awakenings Ensemble. That release includes two co-writes by Michael and Sophie, namely Make Me Feel and Love Your Lies as well as the belting funk number, Forgotten Memories which showcases Sophie’s ample vocal talent.

The new, reshaped collaboration takes some its cues from those recordings but moves a little more into areas of soul and R’n’B with a focus on solid but open drum grooves plus energetic and sometimes syncopated bass lines. Rich keyboard chords give harmonic colour and texture while tasteful arrangements allow the music to retain a spacious atmosphere permitting the guitar to move from lyrical vocal interactions to more driving funk-based rhythmic lines. Sailing above this instrumental bed, Sophie fashions highly melodic vocal lines into soulful musical statements which leave listeners craving the next phrase.