In a groovy and gritty mix of lofi and fusion, Hiatus Kaiyote manages to make one of the coolest, relaxing-yet-groovy tracks of the year with the release of their newest single, Red Room.

The loop nature of the song immediately will give off the lofi vibes the band strove, but this is lofi like it’s never been done before. Usually where lofi artists sample jazz classics, this band are playing all the instruments, and has all the flexibility and control of a jazz group. The harmony is just as gorgeous, just as melancholic, but with a twist. A few times during the track listeners might catch the weird time signatures sparkled in throughout, for example. The drums are never constant, though the groove persists throughout. There are so many flavorful fills, polymeter rhythms, all accompanied by beautiful piano voicings and synth patches giving breathing room to the track as a whole. All that is, of course, led by the vocals sung by Nai Palm that somehow amplifies the soul of the group, despite the sheer feel that the instrumentation already brings. Her delivery is raw and pure, jazzy and soulful, which suits the tone and the song perfectly. Especially by the song, where the harmony lacks that crystal-clear tuning that pop music usually bears, which really supports the pitching tape-wrap effect applied on the piano. Nai’s voice grows grittier and grittier, which really makes this feel like you’re observing a band play in a small club, and you’re left alone with your friends, your drinks and the music. A perfect evening, provided by Hiatus Kaiyote.

HK have always been masters of their craft. Red Room is just another display of that, and beyond. It’s a track that doesn’t require you to be some sort of jazz musician to enjoy, but jazz nerds will absolutely get a kick out of this. It’s open enough to leave room for you to even grab your instrument of choice and perhaps accompany the group, but even without that the production is perfectly full, yet spacious. It’s a track that suits for many different moods, yet its intentions and vibes are extremely strong and confident. It’s just a fun track, start to finish. 

Author: Nicholas Gaudet

Music producer and writer from Dieppe, Canada.