Tropical Oceans, the first EP by D.D Dumbo, released in 2013, revealed
the unique world of the young man from Castlemaine, Australia, with a lo-fi sound
between blues and deconstructed pop. Armed with a 12-string electric guitar and a host of effects, he impressed
festivals worldwide, opening for Warpaint, St Vincent, Jungle, Iron & Wine, Daughter, and Tame Impala.
This debut album, titled Utopia Defeated, is a true musical epic
born directly from the overflowing imagination of its multi-instrumentalist
author, Oliver Hugh Perry, who wrote, composed, recorded, and produced
it entirely at 4AD's London studios with resident engineer Fabian Prynn by his side.
The songs are bathed in light with vibrant rhythms, carried by
Perry's impressive voice and multiple influences, from traditional styles
from around the world, desert blues from Africa, Tanzanian ilimba,
and Tuvan melodies. They are sublimated by lyrics glorifying nature and denouncing
the ongoing ecocide. A profound and multifaceted album!