Honne at the Penthouse at the Standard Hotel, East Village

Andy

Vocalist Andy and keyboardist James (they do not reveal surnames) met while attending university and started making electro-soul music together in 2014 in London, England. They adopted the name HONNE – a Japanese word (本音) meaning "true feelings." The duo released three EPS leading to the debut album, Warm on a Cold Night, which was released on July 22, 2016.

Performing tonight at the Penthouse at the Standard Hotel in the East Village, HONNE was joined on several songs by Izzy Bizu adding female vocal harmony. Inspired by both classic soul and soft synthesizer rhythms, HONNE’s silky smooth lo-fi groove was for romantics. Repetitive hook lines accentuated pouting, smoldering vocals and lyrics that dwelt on longing and hopeful anticipation. Unlike other neo-soul electronic outfits, the emphasis here was on simplicity rather than multiple layers of sound. Synthesizers provided the subtle rhythm track, with piano and vocals being the primary colors on the palate. The mellow music sounded like the soundtrack for a dimly-lit evening on a leather sofa by the fireplace with a crystal glass of red wine in hand.

HONNE will headline at Webster Hall's Grand Ballroom on August 15. In the meantime, visit HONNE at www.hellohonne.com.