Oban duo are Hanging on a Wire

Oban duo and long-time friends Rory O’B and Rhianna McMahon have something to sing about after launching their debut EP.

 

The pair released their debut EP, Hanging On A Wire, today (Saturday May 7) under the band name The Romanas.

 

 

 

With poignant lyrics and a sound that refuses to be categorised into one genre, the five-track release showcases their diverse sonic abilities.

 

'We first met around 10 years ago,' said Rory, who is well-known in the town as a singer songwriter and hip hop artist. 'There was a pub in Oban that had open mic nights every week and we both used to go regularly. After that, we started to jam at parties and now we’re finally releasing our first EP.'

 

Produced by internationally renowned Scottish producer Will Atkinson, Hanging On A Wire effortlessly flits from folk, into more hip-hop and electronic influenced sounds.

 

The opening track Lose My Mind is an immediately uplifting indie-folk anthem that paints a vibrant picture of a band. 'He reckons life was out to get him, but I'm actually convinced that he's getting sick of wallowing inside the hermit shell - cause every booze induced decision never really ended well,' Rory raps effortlessly in Wild Flower, over a woozy harmonica and laid-back guitar as the track builds along with Rhianna’s soaring vocals.

 

Nothing Left To Say reflects on the duo’s vast range of influences. Rhianna’s vocals carry the track from a sombre indie-rock ballad to a pulsing, electronic-tinged track reminiscent of AWOLNATION or The Naked and Famous; before the fourth track, Rain On The Window, shifts the soundscape once again, leaning on a finger-plucked guitar and beautifully harmonising vocals to tell the tale of leaving behind someone - and somewhere - loved.

 

The EP’s final track, Usually, is a striking conclusion to Hanging On A Wire that, through flawless production and the duo’s natural chemistry, strikes a bittersweet balance between nostalgia and catharsis.

 

Rory said: 'I think the tracks have a theme of hanging on to something, whether it’s a relationship or sanity or missing home.'

 

The fact Hanging On A Wire was recorded entirely over lockdown has only strengthened the duo’s friendship and made them even more determined to get on stage and play the EP live.

 

Rhianna said: 'It was difficult at times. We ran into some obstacles due to Rory being in Glasgow and myself in Oban, but we got there.

 

'We’re so proud of all of the tracks and the production on them that it’s impossible for us to pick a favourite track.'

 

For more details visit the duo's Facebook page www.facebook.com/theromanas