By Sasha Flatau
Funk/ Punk band Fresh Like Dexie came to be during a camping trip on top of the Downs, overlooking Brighton. The group is currently made up of Dani Bruton on Lead Vocals, Cameron Williams-Hill on Guitar and Vocals, Tuggy on Bass and Backing Vocals, and recent additions David Stewart on Drums and Shaz on Keys/Synth. It was initially the bassist and guitarist’s love of Funk and Punk that lead the band to establish the direction of their music, along with the fact that the group hold Stevie Wonder, Jamiroquai and Rage Against the Machine all in high esteem.
Ironically the group got airplay in El Salvador before they got played inEngland, but since then they have certainly come a long way and with such get-up-and-go, it’s hardly a surprise. Fresh Like Dexie have had many successful gigs in Brighton and at present have a busy line up, most recently playing at the Hope in lively support of Screama Ballerina. It appears that the group have even got themselves a famous fan, as according to one band member, the keyboardist from the metal band, Dragonforce, was at one of their most recent gigs.
Their EP, Step In The Sun, is both uplifting and funky. Interestingly enough, it was made before Fresh Like Dexie had even played their first gig. My favourite song from the EP is the first song that I ever heard by the band, Step in the Sun (Slip into Night). Fresh Like Dexie told me, ‘all our lyrics aim to be positive but equally realistic in subject matter’ and after listening to their various songs, I completely agreed. This is apparent in Step in the Sun (Slip into Night) due to the positive imagery of ‘bright sun’ and ‘summer sky’ as well as less idealistic lyrics such as ‘we’ll take our time’. This track holds an especially feel-good vibe not only through the laid back strumming of the electric guitar, but also because the combination of Cameron and Dani’s voices sound so incredible, yet at the same time effortless. This is a song that could easily be listened to on repeat, each time making the listener feel even more chilled out and happy.
Another song that I love from their EP is Lights as it’s so funky and as a result, great for a boogie. This song starts with an intro from the keys before the drums and guitar make their presence known. There is a fun energy about this track and the lyrics hint at nostalgia. I especially like the chorus, not to mention the beautifully melodic bridge which breaks up the song perfectly.
The final song that I’ll mention, as it made such an impression on me, is Sparks, Fuse, Energy. The listener is launched straight into this feisty track with the vigorous drums, guitar and keys. This fast-paced song gives way to a punchy chorus with strongly accentuated vocals that are of course added to by the lead singer’s soulful voice. Aside from the catchy chorus though, the mini guitar-solo and epic drums towards the end give this song its edge.
As previously mentioned, Fresh Like Dexie will be playing at a range of venues around Brighton, all of which can be found on their Band Page on Facebook. What’s more, their EP, Step In The Sun, is available for purchase on this page too.
