With a sound as quintessentially British as the picturesque Hertfordshire village that they call home, Maribou State released their debut album ‘Portraits’ earlier this year with Counter/Ninja Tunes through Inertia.

'Portraits' sees producers Chris Davids and Liam Ivory exemplify the sort of rare but precious sonic harmony that has made their name thus far, with equal parts emotive instrumentation and sturdy rhythms, stark soundscapes and rich textures. Featuring long-time collaborator Pedestrian as well as vocalists Holly Walker and Jono McCleery, the album takes on a subtle dynamism and natural warmth redolent of Gold Panda and SOHN.

Well-versed in the art of balance, the duo have been quietly yet mightily refining their touch in recent years, delivering a string of releases including the much loved 'Tongue' and 'Truths' EPs for Norman Cook's Southern Fried Records. Far from your typical laptop-reliant producers; the pair are mindful to incorporate live musicianship and songcraft that imbue a soulfulness and character into their sound. As a result, they've already caught the attention of radio heavyweights such as Zane Lowe, Huw Stephens, Annie Mac, Pete Tong and Gilles Peterson and blazed a trail at festivals across Europe including Glastonbury, Warehouse Project and Bestival alongside John Talabot, Lxury and Jamie xx.