El Duo’s unique vibes at Pierce Ranch.

Randy Schwartz and Harrison Murphy of El Duo have conversations without saying a word. Swartz asks Murphy something with a beat from his drum machine, Murphy answers with an effect from his keyboard. They draw outlines for the songs they perform live, but it’s within those frameworks that their pedal loops, pre-recorded sounds, synthesizer, drum machine and keyboard throw down strokes of color, constructing a bright prism with Afro beats, electronica and jazz pigments.

“We listen to each other and set up a loose format, then incorporate elements that feel right in the moment,” Murphy says.

Schwartz and Murphy connected by performing in a band together. The ties that bond them is their shared love of African-style rhythms.

Their 2016 album El Key is a collection of instrumental music that inspires drifting scenes in the listener’s mind.

The track “Mahu Girl” comes anchored by funky keyboards and infused with effects that recall vintage Nintendo video games and 1960s science fiction movie soundtracks blended with jazz drums. All of which are wide open for personal interpretation.

Harrison says he experiences it, too, like a mood ring changing colors by heat levels.

Their unique and singular sound is unexpected, given their other projects as musicians. Murphy is the frontman of the Motown-inspired band/local cult phenomenon Harry and the Hitmen. Schwartz played drums for folk-pop artist Brett Dennen.

“I’ve been playing music for two decades and I’ve never done anything quite like [El Duo],” Murphy says.

EL DUO 8pm Saturday, Oct. 14. Pierce Ranch Vineyards, 499 Wave St., Monterey. 30 tickets available; ages 21 and over. $10. 372-8900;www.facebook.com/piercevineyardsmusic.