As we battle through the cold dark British days, we turn to music to shine the sunlight into our lives. On this occasion our sunny disposition is satisfied courtesy of an artist who has been quietly bubbling under the surface for a while now.
Danish producer Theo Conard, better known as Paxton Fettel has a nimble touch that sees his productions span instrumental jazz funk, buoyant synth jams and blissed out ambient musings. His long standing affiliation with Torquay label Greta Cottage Workshop saw the release of two EPs and his debut album Everything Stays The Same back in 2015. Now we are blessed with the album’s successor, Nothing Stays The Same, an honest heartfelt journey combining funk, jazz and disco influences, entirely produced by Theo himself.
Our pick, ‘Rise & Funk’ is a joyous, playful cut that indisputably lives up to its name. Taking inspiration from late 70’s disco and funk, the track uses no samples, instead all instruments are played by Theo’s hands and feet. Punchy piano chords secure its rise from the outset, and it continues as the breakdown brings a thumping kick, addictive synth melodies and beautiful vocal slivers teased by Theo’s friend Olivia Lincoln. All elements crescendo through to the finishing line, filling you with hope and leaving you beaming from ear to ear.
Nothing Stays The Same is out 3rd March on Greta Cottage Workshop – pre-order on Bandcamp.
