With disco harmonies and overlapping electronic layerings and beats, Sugar and Gold has an updated funk feel that maintains the ability to induce dance frenzy. Formed by the songwriting duo of frontman Philip Minnig and keyboardist Nicolas Dobbratz, Sugar and Gold captures this unique soul/funk/electro fusion on their debut album, Crème, released via Antenna Farm Records. Alongside bassist Jerome Steegmans, drummer Robin Macmillan and back-up vocalists Fatima Fleming and Susan Cortes, this San Francisco-based ensemble has built a strong hometown fan base while continuing to winning fresh attention in city after city through their electrifying live performances.
Crème is the result of two years of studio work and touring, which from first listen you realize is not a lame attempt at tasteless 70s revival. Their classic funk sound is renovated with delicate garnishes of electronics and pop, though these never once overpower the music's dance-driven core.
The first single, “WorkOut”, though not necessarily the strongest track on Crème, is still gripping from the first chord. Even stronger though are songs like “Neighborhood” and “What Kind of Lover Are You”, both melodically encompassing the pure talent that Sugar and Gold offers while showcasing the inspirations drawn from each city visited these past couple of years.
