Perth-born, Naarm-based duo Special Feelings, aka Naomi Robinson and Poli-Pearl share ‘Kinky, the third single taken from their forthcoming album (out November 10) on Bradley Zero’s Rhythm Section imprint.

‘Kinky’ immediately launches into a trippy synth and bass formation, encircling itself for the opening 20 seconds, before the saxophone notes crescendo through. At 2 minutes, the sax energy gets kicked into high gear, riffing into upper eschelons of its register with an improvisational live feel that encapsulates Special Feelings’ performances.

After a chance meeting in a bar, Special Feelings have been jamming together for the last four years, creating music to encapsulate what feels good when they are jamming. Down Goose perfectly encapsulates the electricity the duo have when they are collaborating, bringing together influences from Neue Grafik through to Yussef Dayes and Madlib, its one to get your feet moving.

Both Naomi and Poli-Pearl are self-taught multi-instrumentalists and producers; Naomi got her start playing in high school dream pop bands, before moving to Naarm to immerse herself in its musical communities, and study classical guitar at the University of Melbourne.

A chance meeting outside of a local bar four years ago sparked the beginning of Poli-Pearl and Naomi’s creative collaborations. Their recording process begins with either Naomi realising her ideas into rhythm and bass riffs, or Poli-Pearl bringing synthesizer compositions to the equation. Musically-minded friends then lay down drums, sax, and keys to round out the tunes. In a sense, the tracks that comprise Special Feelings’ album are four years in the making, having been honed through their live gigs at local pubs, as well as frequent jam sessions, in their Perth studio and its surrounds.

Bradley Zero’s South London-strong music platform and imprint Rhythm Section is no stranger to the Australian jazz scene. Previous RS releases from down under have featured artists and collectives including 30/70, Prequel, and Retiree. Special Feelings’ Rhythm Section connection began when the duo reached out with tunes, which led to ‘Bapjizzim’ being included on RS’ Shouts 2021 compilation.

Debut Album, out November 10