When this album first arrived in the post, it was like unwrapping an exclusive chocolate bar – the sort that would arrive in an elite Lindt shroud. The soft magenta-orange colours and indian symbols spoke to me of the delights hidden within, and with much the same delighted guilt as I would have attacked the actual chocolate block, I enthusiastically shred the plastic cover off PTY LTDs latest offering; the eagerly awaited Enticer Deluxe . Entice me it did. Fascinate me it did. Seduced I was.

As the catchy tones and hooklines from Make Amends, Royal Stag, Hear You Calling, I Got This Lovin and Funky Buddha’s carried across the sound system, I was transported to an era where The Commodores meet with The Love Committee; and the soul is smooth as the quiet storm of funk lies suspended on the horizon. The vocals of Tim Tainsh are sublime; his tones alternating moving in and out of falsetto and holding a deep resonance with effects filters added to enhance his vocal tones. Tim’s vocals are wonderfully offset by deep bass lines and a beautifully intoned electric bass, the deep heavy grooves a pristine texture in the quite convoluted mix. Dan Tainsh’s drumming and programming form a spectacular frame of rhythms and metrical pulses while the spectrum of colours supplied by Peter G’s rhodes, keys, clave and synths serves as the mortar to unite the differing weaves into a complex electronic tapestry.

The rearing of guitar riffs from Grant Wallis gives the album a psychedelic edge; the slight distortion on guitar adding a distinct tension to the mix. The featured vocals of Julien Love on Rectify, Latrice Barnett on I Got This Lovin and Hear You Calling and Graeme Hamilton on Funky Buddha’s capture a kaleidoscope of incredible rotating vocals that lulls the listener deep inside. The expected inclusion of organic instruments features prominent instrumentalists of Brisbane’s glowing live music scene (and homebase for PTY LTD); including Scott Browne on trumpet, Hayden Smith and Matt Robinson on flute and River Petain on saxophone. Not to forget DJ Kristian Hernandez on samples in This Won’t Take Too Long , each unique delivery materialises into a rich brocade of organic instrumentation set to funk rhythms and jazz improvisation, all suffused through an electronically treated wash.

The musical structure of each tune is layered and careful; the outlines providing ample space for improvisation and musical experimentation. Each musical nuance is captured perfectly through the production efforts of Peter G, the Tainsh Twins and Anthony Lycenko; with the majority of the tracks mixed by the PTY LTD core and Daniel Denholm; and most tracks mastered by Kathy Naunton. Special note must be made of Party Girl mastered in The Exchange London, by famed audio engineer/drummer/composer/musician/digital artist Mike Marsh.

This album appears the taster to the incredible live performances and vibes that mark the outstanding musicianship of PTY LTD. Whilst the live show will undoubtedly explore a close live connection with audiences for the upcoming onslaught of summer festivals and events, the album will prove an aural delight as the studio seeks to probe the depths of each musical texture and layer. Released through independent label Chocolate Love Boat Records, Enticer Deluxe is a journey through the raw side of soulful funk, leaving the exposed attitudes and edginess of the future in a demanding grasp for the attention of the present.