Upon first hearing Hermitude’s Luke Dubs and Elgusto at a Sydney show in 2004, DJ Krush was moved to remark that their “production was excellent and the quality very, very good”. It should come as no surprise then, that their first album Alleys to Valleyswas lauded for its “world class hip hop production” (Urban Hits), and they were constantly compared to major OS acts such as Bonobo and RJD2.
In 2005, Hermitude turn the heat right up with their new album Tales of the Drift: a testament to the maturity of their instinctively warm, intricate arrangements. Although undoubtedly hip hop by nature, Hermitude stitch together a bed of jazz, funk and Cuban rhythms, then weave delicate melodies and deft electronic touches
through it. Songs shift and twist across a full spectrum of emotions, engaging the listener’s imagination with a banquet of samples and live instrumentation bound to invigorate any headphone enthusiast.
Locally, Hermitude have earned a reputation for spectacular live shows, often outshining headline acts: they’ve enhanced shows by The Herbaliser, Kid Koala and RJD2, DJ Krush and Dizzee Rascal, as well as rocking huge audiences at the Big Day Out and Field Day.
Guests on Tales of the Drift include fellow Elefant Traks artists Urthboy and Ozi Batla, as well as Melbourne via London vocalist Blu MC. The album is preceded by a teaser mixtape featuring an exclusive cut with Spikey Tee.Tales of the Drift’s art is designed by Kaho Cheung (Unkle Ho) and is available on CD and a vinyl lover’s treasure: full colour gatefold double vinyl.
