New Venusians

Initiated by guitarist Ben Panucci, New Venusians are an eclectic R&B-rooted band from Sydney, Australia. The lead vocals are handled primarily by Meklit Kibret and secondarily by Ngaiire associate Christian Hemara, backed by a layered analog-electronic sound laid out by Panucci, keyboardists Andrew Bruce and Harry Sutherland, bassist Pat Harris, and drummer Daniel Saddleton. They made their recorded debut in 2013 with "Finding" and truly hit their stride in 2015 with the sparkling "Running." In 2016, they signed to Portland, Oregon label Fresh Selects, after which they teased their first album with an extended version of "Keep Running" (titled "Keep Running...and Running") and the ballads "Sea" and "Get Along." The band's self-titled full-length was issued in March 2017. ~ Andy Kellman