2012 has been a big year for AlunaGeorge, but 2013 just got bigger. Already named in the longlist for BBCs Sound of 2013 and nominated for the Critics Choice Award at next year’s BRIT Awards, there are high hopes for the London duo. Formed of Aluna Francis on vocals and George Reid producing (hence the name), the pair excel at mesmerisingly chilled out, electronic R&B/pop.
From their first release together, the You Know You Like It EP in April, music-lovers have been impressed. Lead single, the bouncy ‘You Know You Like It‘, is what got many fans hooked as Aluna bumps and grinds along with a series of backing dancers, but in a clearly ‘cool’ way; AlunaGeorge aren’t your typical pop stars. Followed by second single ‘Just A Touch‘, the duo showed that they aren’t just one trick ponies.
Aluna – who used to be a reflexologist – has an almost child-like voice which complements the production in an odd juxtaposition. However, the childish quality is not it’s only merit; her voice may be sugar sweet but it is emotionally soulful and heartwarming too. George’s production is also fresh combining a variety of sounds from bass, garage and dubstep to develop the subduedly crashing choruses of the most recent single ‘Your Drums, Your Love‘, and album track ‘Watching Over You‘, recently premiered by Annie Mac. The latter is a glitchy dream-like number with pitch-shifting vocals and a reflective message whilst ‘Your Drums, Your Love’ explodes with shimmeringly sharp synths and sober drum patterns.
They’ve done nothing wrong so far with a small, but stellar back catalogue in their short time together. The innovative combination that is AlunaGeorge has been received positively both commercially and critically, and it certainly seems like there’s nothing that will stop this pair any time soon. They’re thrillingly modern which is why I await their album with intense excitement.
AlunaGeorge’s debut LP is due out in early 2013.
