The artist Aminé has just released a new song titled “Familiar.” I’ve been a big fan of his since ONEPOINTFIVE and Good For You, and he continues to impress with his ability to create music that’s both fresh and experimental while still making its way into the mainstream. It’s one thing to make something that sounds new—but making something that feels fresh and resonates with a wide audience is extraordinarily difficult.

Familiar is packed with different sounds, yet it never feels overwhelming. A punchy four-on-the-floor kick drives the groove, while voice samples and a phased lead vocal shape the melody. It reminds me of Devil’s Pie by D’Angelo, where a fast, staccato guitar note repeats throughout, giving the song its identity. I hear a similar effect in Familiar—whether or not it was inspired by D’Angelo, I’ll never know. (Sidenote over!)

The track is short and sweet, clocking in at just 1 minute and 47 seconds. Personally, I have a playlist dedicated to golden songs under two minutes, and this one is definitely making the cut. One YouTube commenter summed it up perfectly: “As Mariah (Carey) is to Christmas, so is Aminé to summertime.” I couldn’t agree more. After a long winter stretching into spring, this song feels like a burst of energy—like running full speed toward something exciting and new.

Aminé has a string of summer tour dates lined up in South America, a region where many American Soul/R&B artists hold the music in high regard. Artists like J Dilla (Rico Suave Bossa Nova), J. Cole & Bas (Tribe), and D’Angelo (Spanish Joint) have all drawn inspiration from Latin American and Afro-Cuban rhythms. I can’t say for sure what influenced Aminé on Familiar, but whatever the recipe was, I’m grateful for it. Go give it a spin and see how it feels!

Author: Peter Källman

Peter Källman is a writer from Sweden who loves playing in bands, writing reviews and going to live shows!