Ampersand inject new life into neo soul and funk with debut EP, 'Entry Level'

Sunshine Coast five-piece outfit, Ampersand unveil their debut EP, ‘Entry Level’ - a collection of the group’s favourite original tunes, which comes off the back of three successful single releases showcasing the group’s nu-funk/soul/retro pop fusion. 

An ever-evolving, energetic and entertaining combination of two lead vocalists, a dynamic rhythm section, and innovative keys, Ampersand have, over the past three years, tightened together to become their own musical family, effortlessly improvising and conversing musically, and forging their own unique sound - the band’s spark coming from only ever having the humble goal of learning from their journey.

Funky, soulful and without a doubt “iconically Ampersand”, ‘Entry Level’ is a collection of the group’s favourite original tunes, each selected by one of the 5 band members. Off the back of performances at Caloundra Music Festival and Noosa Alive, Ampersand recorded these five tracks in a single session at Yama Nui in response to public demand.

The ‘Entry Level’ EP presents a band that, despite their youth, are far more intertwined musically than a large chunk of their peers, particularly with the adoption of a sound that is more associated with older generations. This culmination of five neo-soul tracks, fused with funk flare and pop sensibilities, though recorded in what would assumably be live takes, are well-locked in, smooth numbers, with a rhythm section locked in, allowing the keys to float in the middle space and the dual vocals melodising and harmonising in such flowing fashion. Ampersand make their mark with ‘Entry Level’, but one wonders what is possible from this outfit, given a little more time and experimentation on production.

The idea to release an EP started when ‘Originality’, ‘Birthday Blues', ‘Boy Bye’, ‘Drive Away’ and ‘Honey Beez’ were written back to back over a couple of weeks in their home studio. Two grants and a marathon studio session later, ‘Entry Level’ was born.

The tracks tell personal stories drawn from the band’s individual and shared experiences with life, love, laughter and many ludicrous rehearsals. The name ‘Entry Level’ is inspired by their trademark self-deprecatory humour. This EP is literally their entry level foray into the world of albums and extended releases and they are owning that.

‘Entry Level’ will be accompanied by a special music video for ‘Drive Away’ with a release date to be announced.

‘Entry Level’ is available to stream on all digital platforms now.