Blending their mutual love for and eclectic taste in music, art and film, the husband-wife team find inspiration for their songs from living life in close quarters before and during the coronavirus pandemic.
Every now and then, a music act comes along offering something a little different, outside the usual genre markers. Think My Friend The Chocolate Cake. George. Kate Miller-Heidke.
Sydney husband and wife duo Goldfynch combines the talents of multi-award-winning guitarist/composer Gavin Libotte (Urban Gypsies) and multilingual singer/songwriter Niyati Libotte.
Accolades include winning Silver in the Global Music Awards and as International Acoustic Music Awards finalists. Their self-titled debut album marries sassy pop stylings with an orchestral flourish. It’s a formula – or rather, a feel – to delight the jaded ‘adult contemporary’ listener.
“New blues meets French acoustic rock”, announces the press release.
A rolling rhythm and simmering pulse of guitar introduce album opener ‘Brighter Day’. Intricate vocals swim across a multi-textured soundscape, signed off with piano magic. ‘Ballooning Over Paris’ follows with a ‘So Frenchy, So Chic’ ambience. Uber-cool trumpet seals the vibe. The inviting lounge setting continues with pops of jazz and sultry bossa nova. ‘Opus’ is a lush and evolving string-based lullaby.
Goldfynch offer lyrical weight to the tunes, reflecting their yoga-based philosophies. They muse on daily struggles, our vulnerable environment and familial heartache. More so, they celebrate the intoxication of new love, the gifts of hope, breath and the natural world. Tracks sit snugly together from folk-influenced to funky. Classy accompaniment is provided by Aria winner Jonathan Zwartz (bass), James Hauptmann (drums), Ben Adler (violin), Bill Risby (piano) and horns courtesy of the Avgenicos brothers. Soulful bansoori (Indian wood flute) by Venkhatesh Sritharan brings an added global flavour to the table.
The album was recorded at Church St Studios by Damian de Boos-Smith, mixed by Emmy Award-winning Sean Carey (ex-Thirsty Merc) and mastered by two-time Grammy winner Helik Hadar. ‘Sunbeam’ suggests we ‘stop and smell the roses’.
Had a hard day? Kick-off your shoes, press ‘Play’ and breathe in this restorative musical balm.
The album is due for release on June 11 2021. You can find more information via the website.
