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Head-nodding, loose-limbed college rock from Liverpool’s pan-global non-genre trio, Oya Paya skids into 2020’s lane just before the finishing line with the release of their infectious new single, Focus.
Self-described as a ‘a smelly group of twenty-somethings making spicy music’, the metronomic, DIY-scented single is the first from their upcoming six-track mini-album, Connect, planned for release in 2021 via Tri-Tone Music.
Evoking the same dropped-shoulder slackerism of Beck, Pavement or 13-era Blur, Focus is filled with angsty vocals, infectious grooves and deceptively intricate instrumental interplay, setting a thematic precedent for their new body of work. As sore thumbs amongst their peers in the north of England, Oya Paya blend sounds drawing on their combined Singaporean, French, Iranian and English heritage, cutting the freewheeling, heavy-fringed optimism of the classic, nineties 4AD/Sub Pop era into diverse percussive and melodic influences.
Sharp-tongued, social satire is delivered sleight-of-hand by the characterful, low-key drawl of lead singer and guitarist, Maxime McGowan, pinned in place by intuitive and precise beats from drummer, Ashwin Menon and wild, technically unsurpassable bass lines from band member and producer Saam Jafarzadeh.
Much like the rest of the album, Focus was recorded entirely remotely in the midst of lockdown with the three band members separated by nearly 7,000 miles, never once all recording in the same room. Having made their mark on UK Tours since their emergence in 2017, Oya Paya’s live experience is far from understated, yet the band have managed to create a studio sound just as distinct, retaining the natural energy and soul of their stage outings against all odds.
Previous releases, including 2020 singles, That Felt Good and Philip, gained national support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 6 and BBC introducing as well as being tipped by respected music publications including EarMilk and Clash Magazine.
For upcoming release and tour information from Oya Paya connect with the band online at:
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