Tom Misch has previously created laid-back pop, collaborating with the likes of Loyle Carner and De La Soul. Yussef Dayes, in contrast, has gained notoriety as a progressive jazz drummer. Now these two artists have come together to produce a surprising and vibey album.
The record has a strong jazz undercurrent, but it has hints of vintage hip-hop and soulful R&B. Occasionally it will drop a heavier beat and fall into electronica. The merging of these genres keeps things constantly interesting, but it also makes it feel a little unpolished. The duo seem well aware though of the mild confusion wrought by their varying styles — Dayes’s experimental beats and Misch’s catchy riffs — hence the title.
Emotion and feeling shine through on the title track and opener, when Misch confront his troubles: “The demons come and go… / It’s too late to look back / Forever got this tag on me”. Closing track Storm Before the Calm finds expression through Dayes’s riveting drumming.
Often joyful, this is an engrossing album, even if it never quite finds its rhythm. Luckily, even when peculiar, it’s often endearing.
