Dream-pop duo FOX & SUI release their debut EP, and it’s really kind of magical.

In fact the first sound you hear is that of some sort of magical fountain; the child-like vocals ring like a siren luring you deep into the depths of Taboo, the group’s latest effort.

Melbourne’s Andras Fox and former Sydney resident Sui Zhen are creators of this beautifully layered collaboration, and it goes down an absolute treat. The interesting mixture of electronic elements, juxtaposed with classical instruments like piano and flute is new and exciting and completely lovely.

Title track ‘Taboo’ is especially deep in relation to this, with flutes and pianos and all sorts of orchestral business. ‘I Don’t Wanna Go’ is also sure to be a favourite, with an almost Collarbones-esque feel, a radical beat and again, that balance between contemporary and classical that FOX & SUI manage to nail so seamlessly.

Regardless of comparisons however, FOX & SUI are profoundly their own sound. The effortless production, cute vocals and interesting use of instruments in Taboo meld to create a really lovely result. There’s also this odd sense of imagery that flows through the music; one that transports you to different times and places. Sort of like ‘Back to the Future’ but better, because its soundtrack doesn’t reminisce the early 80s.

For example, the opening track ‘Summer Storm’ sounds like something you would hear at a French dinner party; likewise ‘Grass In Flight’ could be played over a cup of something on a rainy day. It’s like FOX & SUI imagined where they would most like each song to be played, and transferred that imagery into their music. It’s quite phenomenal really.

An album that can be appreciated in its entirety or song by song; either way it’s wonderful.

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine