Special Feelings - Special Feelings [Rhythm Section]

Format: LP in printed sleeve.
CAT: RS060LP 

Perth-born, Naarm-based duo Special Feelings, composed of Naomi Robinson and Poli-Pearl, are stepping up to Bradley Zero’s Rhythm Section label with their debut full-length album, set to release on November 10, 2023. Across its 9 tracks, Special Feelings combines the electric, improvisational feel of live performances with percussion reminiscent of broken beat and house-inspired synth hooks. Tapping into the infectious collaborative spirit of Naarm’s jazz community, Special Feelings joins a host of rising artists from the city.

Early iterations of Special Feelings’ music were inspired by sun-drenched psychedelic rock, with Naomi on guitar and vocals alongside Poli-Pearl on drums. Over time, this morphed into Naomi on bass and beats, with Poli-Pearl taking up synth and keys, influenced by the sounds of Perth and London jazz at the time, intertwined with electronics reminiscent of Brainfeeder.

Today, Special Feelings’ influences span from the deep grooves of Moodymann to the freewheeling horns of Emma Jean Thackray and the rhythms of Kaidi Thatham, and beyond.

Both Naomi and Poli-Pearl are self-taught, multi-instrumentalists and producers; Naomi began by playing in high school dream pop bands before moving to Naarm to immerse herself in its music communities and study classical guitar at Melbourne University.