With the amount of emerging talent currently bursting onto the scene, it can be hard to keep up with the hottest new acts.

So here at Hot Vox we’re slowing things down and really taking the time to check out one of our favourite new acts.

Today we do a Deep Dive into The 52s

The 52s began their musical journey jamming in a grimy student house in south Oxford. Founding members, Oli Dinwoodie and Vex Nagendran would spend their breaks at university creating funky covers and writing original music in their bedrooms. During this time, they became regular at college balls and music venues around the city.

As the duo started building a reputation, they became more popular in Oxford and often had different people coming to join them to create new music. Their debut demo was released at a party at the Bullingdon. This gig propelled the band into gaining more recognition. Their debut 3-track demo titles ‘Kumala Vista’, led the 52s to start picking up shows in Bath and London.

Following the success of their first demo, the 52s released a 6-track EP in 2019. It was during the composition and production of this EP that the 52s really began to take shape. The addition of 5 new members has resulted in their eclectic sound.

The 7-piece has created a melting pot of R&B, jazz, blues, pop and soul. This range of styles and influences creates a sound like no other. When listening to their EP you get a real sense of each of the different band members’ personalities. The fusion of multiple influences and styles makes for an engaging musical blend.

The 52s songs are not solely an expression of themselves but is also used to captivate their audience and express their views. Just as music has been used on political and social platforms in the past, the 52s use their influence as a band to educate their audience. This is a powerful tool that the band have utilised for the better. Their latest release is titled Heroine. Throughout the covid-19 pandemic, the 52s’ members have been front line workers. Heroine was produced as their show of solidarity to the countless domestic abuse sufferers and survivors. The song is mesmerising. The sparse texture and crooning vocals form an atmospheric and inspiring track.

The rich melodic features, saxophone solos and on-point harmonies create the perfect atmosphere. The 52s will be performing again on Tuesday 26^th July at the Amazing Grace. This will be the perfect way to cure those mid-week blues.