The Belafontes Release The Infectious Gemini
- Written by Marky Edison
Paul and Jess are a couple that make music under the moniker The Belafontes. To capture their authenticity they have strived to have as little outside input as possible on their latest recordings. Driven by a desire to showcase their unique lo-fi sound Paul has spent the last 12 months teaching himself to record, mix and produce The Belafonte's music himself. Every rehearsal, recording, song and artwork is created in Paul and Jess' Elsternwick apartment. In doing so, they have managed to preserve a sound and aesthetic that is truly their own.
It’s been a big year for the pair. Jess expanded on her role as lead singer and taught herself to stand up and play drums while performing. Their recent releases have gained international audiences since ending up on the coveted Spotify Fresh Finds playlist. Triple J and Triple J Unearthed have supported both their 2018 releases and they have also been able to share their work with their hardworking pals on community radio stations as well.
‘Gemini’ is a back and forth song between two lovers. Born out of Jess and Paul’s late night antics when they first met, the pair sing about staying up all night and being in awe of each other. The chorus chant of “Delinquents” imagines them on the run from the law a-la Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette in True Romance. The sentiments of two fugitives in love, not caring anymore embodies the start of a great relationship – nothing else matters anymore when you’re in love. The lo-fi production values echo The Belafontes live show, it’s loud, it’s distorted and it’s catchy as hell. The stereo rhythm guitars back and forth in the verse mirrors the couple singing to each other, while fuzzed out lead lines and four to the floor drums in the chorus are meant to get you to your feet or get you to the beach.
