Ba2ta - Coming Closer
South East London’s dream pop duo, known as Ba2ta, dropped their two-track EP, Coming Closer, just a while ago. And it’s delicious stuff.
Ba2ta
Comprising Sallie-Anne Hurst and Ralph Clayton, aka Lemon, the duo first wrote together when they played in Sal Volatilee. Later, they hooked up again in 2018. After intense writing sessions, they recorded and released “Changing Scenes” and “Just One Moment” at the end of 2018.
“Not on My Own” opens the EP, riding a pop-flavored new wave intro flowing into a cool melody with tints of R&B, dance, and jazz. Potent drums and a fat bass line drive the rhythm with dance-energized pulses, as a sparkling piano injects glittering tones backed by orchestral strings, infusing the music with elegant hues. A tasty breakdown colored by the piano, horns, and luminous synths provides a harmonic shift, and then mousses back up to oomph-levels.
Hurst’s voice is scrumptious, full of radiant tones and sumptuous inflections. There’s a subterranean sensuality to her voice that’s tumescent and alluring. Her projection is killer. This is a powerful voice.
Hurst’s voice is scrumptious, full of radiant tones and sumptuous inflections. There’s a subterranean sensuality to her voice that’s tumescent and alluring.
“Coming Closer” opens on softly shimmering synths topped by Hurst’s dreamy voice. The melody ramps up a bit, taking on yummy washes of hues with aromas of retro-pop running through it. Crunching, crisp drums and an austere bass line inject the tune with an undulating rhythm, as Hurst’s retro-flavored tones glide overhead, imbuing the lyrics with iridescent savors.
I love the radiant background harmonies on this track, filling the music with smooth gleaming depth and extensive dimension. The mood and feel of the song is reminiscent of Diana Ross and The Supremes blended with Galaxie 500’s “On Fire,” although the pop-bouquet takes precedence.
The enveloping range of sweet resonance is immersive and proximate, giving listeners an intimate sonic connection.
Coming Closer dazzles with its retro-ambience, persuasive rhythmic flow, and the lush voice of Sallie-Anne Hurst.
