REVIEW: SAATSUMA - OVERFLOW

Written by: James Johnston

Despite being relatively recently thrust into the limelight, Melbourne duo SAATSUMA, sound like a group with years more experience under their belt. Following previous singles ‘Isolate’ and ‘Stay’, SAATSUMA have gifted us with their debut full-length release Overflow. Meticulously produced and hauntingly beautiful, the pair have expanded upon their sound resulting in fifty minutes of ethereal bliss.

In amongst their previously released singles ‘Isolate’, ‘Stay’ and ‘Crescent’, the additional seven offerings all play out like a tug-o-war between the retro, almost sci-fi inspired synths of César Rodrigues and the delicate vocals of Memphis Kelly. Much of the album speaks to the idea of unattainable love, self-criticism and human nature with Kelly’s voice breathing life into every word while Rodrigues twists and contorts the surrounding sounds into an otherworldly mesh of foreign and familiar sounds that is has some unmistakably lowkey danceability. While the leading singles are obvious highlights, a close runner-up is the penultimate track ‘Without U Again’. Combining all the elements present within the album – those haunting vocals, eerie production and a little bit of the rhythm stick, for good measure – the eight-minute long track breaks down into a late-night dance anthem with its blissful neon-lit soundscape.

SAATSUMA have become an undeniable force within the Australian music scene in their relatively short time out and about. Overflow simply shows everyone just why – wonderfully haunting vocals together with a simultaneously familiar and foreign mix of old and new sounds across its comforting ten-track offering.

SAATSUMA
OVERFLOW ALBUM LAUNCH - TICKETS

SAT SEPT 23 | Northcote Social Club | Melbourne
w/ Squidgenini, MinorFauna, & DJ Dee Luscious