Live Review: squidgenini makes Beats Of No Nation debut with new EP, shares 'Circle;Line'

15 April 2021 | 4:08 pm | Emma Jones

Meanjin/Brisbane's squidgenini is set to make her debut on tastemaker label Beats of No Nation with a brand new EP on the way.

Meanjin/Brisbane's squidgenini (one of our Artists to Watch for 2021) has been on our radar for a minute now, but her latest single displays a side to her we haven't quite heard before. Serving as her debut on tastemaker label Beats of No Nation, 'Circle;Line' also doubles as the first taste of her forthcoming EP - aptly titled SQUID - and cements herself as an innovative, creative musical force.

We could probably hazard a guess that you've not heard a song like 'Circle;Line' this week, at least. It's a groove-driven, lusciously produced, intricately sewn together 3-and-a-half-minutes of spiritual bliss, taking twists and turns while still sounding totally harmonious. squidgenini has always done her own thing, and so too here we have a thoroughly squidgenini release. Her soulful, rich vocals are on full display, while her evolved production prowess also shares the spotlight. From the smoky haze of the opening moments with cautious claps and whispered vocals, a beat slowly starts to rise and underpins the percussive groove and warm synths before the track kicks into gear and takes you to a higher place. It's grounded but intergalatic, creative, and honest and raw in its lyrical content. It's also a triumphant return to releasing music for squidgenini, who has quickly become one of her hometown's hottest DJs as well (and even featured in RINSE's new video clip).

It's clearly all systems go for squidgenini, so it's fitting she returns to our ears with such a wholly "her" song in 'Circle;Line'. Unafraid to do her thing (she does it so well) and carve out her own space, the squidgenini project has always been one of earnest and authentic self-expression, and this latest release follows in this same vein. We cannot wait to hear more.

Listen to 'Circle;Line' below, and pre-order SQUID here.

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'Circle;Line' is out now via Beats of No Nation.

Catch squidgenini supporting Close Counters and Lazywax at Felon's Barrel Hall on May 22. Info here.

Words by Emma Jones

Image by Daniel Rafet Grima

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