THERE are some groups that garner acclaim for genre-bending output, grabbing concepts from various styles and straddling the gaps between them – and then there is The Romanas.

The groundbreaking duo are preparing to release their debut EP next month, having meshed a multitude of ideas to create something unique.

Quite simply, the Hanging On A Wire EP is genre-defying with concepts harvested from pop, folk, country and hip hop to create a upbeat and refreshing rap-infused pop-Americana that intrigues no end.

The Romanas, made up of Rory O'B and Rhianna McMahon, will deliver their five-track effort, recorded over lockdown in different ends of the country, on Friday, May 7.

"We first met around 10 years ago," Rory says. "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."

He adds: "I think the tracks have a theme of hanging on to something. Whether it's a relationship or sanity or missing home."

The tension behind the songs is, at times, palpable – especially on the final track Usually which soars through atmospheric hooks that blossom in the final chorus.

The other major highlight of the EP is the slide-guitar-adorned Wild Flower which showcases the superb vocal range of McMahon and incredible storytelling from Rory O'B.

Recording proved to be challenging with a distance between to the two but the finished product as a clear source of pride for The Romanas.

McMahon says: "It was difficult at times. We of course 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."