ARTICLES

Fresh Talent: Punches

Author: Tania Ellwood

Punches is an Auckland duo of James Duncan, (solo performer, producer, guitarist with SJD, Dimmer) and vocalist Kelly Steven. Both are formerly of the band Pencils. The band name Punches is the original title of their best known song Four Feet – a name chosen because they decided it didn’t sound too precious. Think a sentimental, experimental, psych pop two-some coming on loosely like Mazzy Star, but with higher levels of estrogen.

I sense some unease when asking about their stylistic approach, as if it might be a breach of some sort of precious pretense to music purity. Not so, the reluctance proves more indicative of their shyness, combined with interview inexperience.

"It is a cathartic thing when you get in that situation. It’s quite sporadic our music, you can’t just sit down when you want to and write. The music writes itself when it wants to," says Kelly.

Surprisingly Kelly has never sung before and says she is still searching for her innate voice which at this stage is reminiscent of a more deeply toned Hope Sandoval. Punches create an atmosphere and texture which at times seems shrouded in mystery. Their electronic and acoustic soundscapes combined with Steven’s trademark seductive drawl, swathed in echo, is hypnotic.

"It has turned out pretty dark this record, well darker than we thought it would be," James confesses. "We were having a great time doing it. I don’t think it’s a bad thing, I think it’s good for people to meditate to the music. It doesn’t have to be all dancing anthems. It makes such a difference when you figure out what you’re trying to sing and try to get that through your voice. It’s raw, it has everything that was initially there when you thought of the tune."

Punches have built something of an underground extended by bNet exposure, with songs Day by Day and Four Feet going to the top of the bFM and Radio Active charts. Of the two Four Feet is more indicative of the musical road they are on.

"We want to go in that direction because we are still getting to know ourselves just doing this, you know. I never sang at school or anything, so I’m still trying to find my voice," says Kelly.

It is people’s appreciation and affiliation that’s part of the joy for this duo.

"If they feel the imagery, that is really touching, that’s what inspires us," says James.

Punches release their self-titled EP through Arch Hill Recordings early March.