By Diego Linares
English duo Beverly Tawiah and Eric Lau combined their musical stylings well to produce the soulful-yet-folky Love Call EP under Northern Shore Limited.
Since Tawiah’s debut mini album In Jodi’s Room released in 2008, she’s sang back up to the likes of Mark Ronson and songstress Corrine Bailey Rae, all the while receiving praise from respected BBC radio host Gilles Peterson.
Lau on the other hand is known for producing hip-hop and R&B/soul instrumentals that have also been highly acclaimed by Peterson.
Lau’s talents transcend that of the producer to the laid back rhythmic tracks, as he also shares writing credit on the Love Call EP with Tawiah.
In the single, “Love Call,” Lau sets the soundscape with subtle strings and percussions to compliment Tawiah’s lustrous voice, only to transition to a lighter, folkier bounce.
Chemistry is understandable given the duo has worked together on Lau’s debut solo album New Territories, in 2008 under Ubiquity Records, and on Lau’s second full-length One of Many album in 2013 under Kilawatt Music Limited.
Praise followed both of Lau’s albums from instrumental music aficionados 9th Wonder, Peterson, and website Okayplayer among others.
The following track on the Love Call EP, “Let’s Begin,” finds Tawiah’s fluttering voice tracing over the subtleties of coming to a sensual embrace with another as Lau’s production value quietly shines through.
“The Way We Are,” starts with Tawiah’s introduction to how her counterpart found their way to her heart accompanied by a slow churning piano.
The song then moves into Lau’s trademark hip-hop feel with Tawiah at the reins.
The record comes in two bundles on Northern Shore’s Bandcamp page, both including a 5X7 inch postcard flexidisc record capable of playing the track, “Favorite Truth,” along with a digital download of the record.
Tawiah’s proclamation for love in, “Love Call,” is given a reprisal at the end of the record, serving as a soothing outro.
The lone feature for the EP comes by the contribution of Kaidi Tatham on, “Favorite Truth.”