The Melbourne-based, NZ-born R&B duo Fortunes. today release their Undress EP. Released via Future Classic, the EP is “characterised by their ability to integrate warmth and intimacy into electronic music as well as spark and vivacity to hip hop” and includes previously shared singles ‘501’s’ and ‘Focus’, along with two new tracks, ‘Linen’ and ‘Hero Man’. Conor McCabe and Barnaby Matthew of Fortunes. say, “We started out in a cold warehouse with a hat rack for a mic stand. Along the way we’ve learned a lot and since purchased a mic stand”. Start listening below:

Along with the release of the EP tracks came accompanying remixes for ‘501’s’ from Salute and Dai Burger and a tongue-in-cheek video, produced and directed by Nima Nabili Rad. Watch it here.

This is the third EP from the pair who first met at High School in New Zealand and reconnected at a Melbourne house party. After independently releasing their 2015 Hoodie EP and early 2016’s Jacket EP, Fortunes went on to sign to Future Classic, embark on their debut headline Australian tour, support the likes of Alunageorge, Shlohmo and Lapsley and play at festivals such as Laneway Festival, Splendour In the Grass, BigSound, Paradise Music Festival and more.

Fans of Fortunes. can catch them live across their Undress Tour this May. The tour begins in New Zealand before hitting Sydney, Melbourne, the Sunshine Coast, Perth and Adelaide. See the dates and details below.

The Undress EP will be available on a limited edition 12″ vinyl, with the Undress EP on the A side and the duos much loved 2016 Jacket EP (never before pressed on vinyl) on the B side. Buy it here.

UNDRESS TOUR

4 May – Mono, Christchurch NZ
5 May – Caroline, Wellington NZ
6 May – REC, Auckland NZ
19 May – Banquet @ World Bar, Sydney NSW
20 May – The Gasometer – Melbourne VIC
27 May – Big Pineapple Music Festival – Sunshine Coast QLD
2 June – Jack Rabbit Slims – Perth  WA
3 June – Rocket Bar – Adelaide SA

Grab tickets at nicheproductions.com.au

Undress EP is out now via Future Classic. Buy/Stream it here.

PRAISE FOR FORTUNES

“‘501’s’ is an expectedly smooth jam, dedicated to hot nights, good times, and a great fitting pair of jeans. Vocalist Conor McCabe’s heavenly tones float over the equally dreamy production, making for the perfect week-ending (or weekender) track.”
Acclaim Mag

“Brimming with a natural, infectious energy, the cut breezes along on chrome synths, soulful harmonies and a swanky bass line full of good vibes.”
Best Before

“The track opens with a woozy, syncopated rhythm, before the seductively smooth vocals take us to the kind of place that Anderson Paak, BJ the Chicago Kid and Silentjay x Jace XL have kept warm over the past few months. The blend of those R&B vocals and the bright electronic production, complete with spacey synth trickles and delicate vocal harmonies, evokes a sensual atmosphere that practically forces your hips to move.”
Howl and Echoes / Indie Shuffle

“Exactly the escape we need”
i-D Magazine

“Hear the killer single from Future Classic’s brand new signing – The duo have been hotly-tipped throughout this year and now, they’ve been signed to tastemaker label Future Classic, who are famously home to the likes of Flume, Wave Racer, Flight Facilities and Ta-ku. Fortunes. are the first act that the label has signed in over a year, so it’s clear they’re bound for big things.”
In The Mix

“501’s is a slinky, sensual R&B song that retains flavours of old school soul. So many people try to replicate that R&B sound but it’s just not the same if you can’t replicate the feeling. This one succeeds in doing that and what’s best is they keep their Kiwi/Aussie accents – somethings that’s so often traded for US phrasing. It feels organic and fresh and I can’t wait to see what these guys have up their sleeve next.”
Music Feeds

“Fans of Anderson .Paak will dig”
Pigeons & Planes

“We’ve heard a heap of smooth as butter, soul-inspired tunes this year, but Fortunes new banger 501’s may just be the smoothest yet. A thumping bass line, funky af synths and some of the lushest vocals you could ever hope to hear are all on offer in this new one from the NZ-raised, Melbourne-based duo.”
Pilerats

“Conor McCabe’s croons his sweet longing, harmonising about the harmony he wishes to achieve, it’s tongue in cheek, it’s sweet, it’s oh so convincing. By the end of the song you’ll be day-dreaming about being on a tram with some inexplicable man clad in jeans that fit so well you’ll want them to rent a space on your bedroom floor. Paired with Barnaby Matthews’ slick production, this track’s an afternoon delight.”
Purple Sneakers

“Groove-heavy two piece Fortunes. have released a smooth new offering in ‘501’s’…’501’s’ is another polished effort from the guys, with layered, textural instrumentals that drift effortlessly around the vocals.”
Stoney Roads

“So damn sexy”
The FADER

“Characterised by their ability to integrate warmth and intimacy into electronic music as well as spark and vivacity to hip hop, the aptly titled Undress is nothing short of superb. Each track is as alluring and near hypnotic as their previous releases, complimented largely by Conor McCabe’s highly compelling vocals and Barnaby Matthew’s masterful production. Make no mistake; Fortunes are, no doubt, a winning pair.”
The Music (4.5/5)