BMA single review by Vince Leigh

Self-produced Canberra act Apricot Ink, featuring Sara and Tom, has consistently released tracks notable for their polished production and rhythmic grooves, and o boy do they have CV that attests to that quality.

In 2023, the group performed at Tassie’s Party in the Paddock and appeared at Canberra’s Groovin the Moo in April. The Ink rounded off the year with a series of live shows and festival appearances, and had well-deserved nominations for Best Live Act in ACT at the National Live Music Awards as well as recognition at the MAMAs(MusicACT Music Awards).

The duo’s debut double single, Lucky Rainbow/ Carmelyzed Crusade, has generated over 3 million streams since its release, which is quite an achievement in this world of saturated music content. The latest single, Love Potion, contains just the right amount of genealogical kinship to the band’s previous tracks, which all maintain an essential focus on groove, an intimate vocal style, and lush accompanying sounds and textures, whether utilising synths, background vocals or guitars.

Following a breezy wah-wah guitar progression, the vocals set the mood from the get-go, with a gentle command over the melody and lyric.

Ushering in the next section is the reggae-tinged pulse, which retains its subtle energy throughout.

Adding contrast and somewhat of a varying dynamic is the chorus, with its run-on lines and galloping vocal attack, increasing the intensity and undoubtedly reflective of the thematic concern.

With its reliance on space and a breathless application of the title, the post-chorus tag does an excellent job resolving the chorus’ nuanced fire. The bass aligns seamlessly, as it would, with the machine kit, maintaining a firm and cohesive rhythm. At the same time, the rhythm floats alongside the lead vocal, aided by various guitar and ambient textures, positioned finely in the mix, allowing enough sonic colour and tone to be as unintrusive as it needs to be.

Love Potion certainly sounds like a project whose style—a broad sweep of a brushstroke in the playful contemporary-pop and soul blend genre— is evolving splendidly in all key aspects: production, song structure and performance.

Suitably rousing stuff.

Listen to this track on Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal. Follow Apricot Ink on Instagram for updates!