Shluffy drops debut EP ‘Sol Searching’

Tucked away in the Byron Bay Hinterland of Australian artist Ariel Pacanowski, better known by his artistic banner Shluffy, has been crafting a world of sonic colour, groove and reflection. The songwriter and producer stepped onto the scene in April with his debut single “Higher Sound,” offering a taste of what was to come; dreamy textures fused with slick rhythms and a shimmering indie pop aesthetic.

Returning the following month with the sophomore outing “Where You Going?” he now he brings us his most ambitious release to date with his brand new debut EP titled Sol Searching. Capturing the result of Shluffy finding his artistic identity and creative voice, the six-track outing brings together elements of dream pop, acid jazz, neo-soul, disco and funk to deliver an engaging and highly original listening experience.

Shluffy’s sound is fluid, organic and shaped by a curiosity for texture and emotion, wrapped in a hazy warmth of psych-inflected pop. The tracks shine with slick melodies while still retaining an intimate vibe that encourages movement and meditation in equal measure. Recorded, written and mixed entirely by Shluffy in a small shed affectionately dubbed The Hobbit Hole, the Sol Searching EP is as much about place as it is about sound, distilling the sound of a young artist stepping into himself and into the freedom of making music away from the noise.

Set up by the soft swirl of delicate instrumental textures on “Where You Going?” the patter of drums ushers in a grooving sound of pulsing bass lines, bright vocal leads and funky guitar rhythms. Casting a misty slice of disco-tinged pop music, the danceable shuffle of the percussion, shifting instrumental backing and silky vocal performance all melt into a catchy sound that’s truly impossible not to love.

“Higher Sound” brings more buttery indie pop bliss with the swell of smokey tones cut with the driving groove of the beat as Shluffy’s smooth voice glides above to spin memorable melodic hooks. “What We Could’ve Known” pairs the twang of guitar with intricate bass lines and rustling drums as his elegant vocals float above, offering an engrossing moment of mesmeric bedroom pop music.

With “The Living Stream,” Shluffy presents of rhythm-focused track capped by soft vocal performance, peppered with psychedelic flickers to deliver an immersive soundscape that’s at once hypnotic and infectious. On “Feel Your Love,” he slows things down with woozy synth tones and gentle guitar touches as the laid back snap of the beat carries the lilting rhythmic sway and his alluring voice drifts with mellow melodic writing.

Closing the EP with “She Gets Me,” the wobble of muted synths and spongy vocal lines are met with the delicate taps of percussion to form an engaging finale to Shluffy’s incredible debut EP. Firmly planting himself on the map of must watch artists in the alternative indie pop music sphere, Shluffy is sure to win over fans across Australia and beyond with his charming and truly enjoyable sonic output.

Listen to Sol Searching below