Album Review: Tom Misch & Yussef Dayes - 'What Kinda Music'
From the get go it’s clear that this album isn’t going to sound like the Tom Misch we know.
This collaboration has seemingly bought out the best in both artists. With its rich blend of Melancholic funk, jazz inspired laid back hip hop beats and glimpses of world music, it’s most certainly pushing boundaries. It’s the jam session we all needed to be at.
The sort of album that makes you want to hire a convertible mustang and cruise around the hills of California into the night. What a treat it is to hear Misch experiment with effects throughout this record. It feels like a more mature, comfortable Tom Misch. As the album unravels it almost looses any pop like structure it started with.
Half way through the record we get treated to some of that gorgeous unmistakable Tom Misch lead guitar. With tones so wholesome it makes you crave seeing him live. The lack of vocals enables the music to speak for itself in some songs. Giving you time to really appreciate the talent of this super duo. This album is for fans of the more melancholic sides of The Gorillaz, James Blake, Radiohead & Lauren Hill. It’s fun, washy and dreamy. Elegantly held together with the occasional strong pop chorus.
This is a very brave, confident and self sure step from Misch. The album isn’t going to storm the charts or be everyones cup of tea but it’s a gorgeous piece of art. It makes me exited to hear what Misch has in the pipeline with this new found musical freedom he’s shown us. It will also be interesting to see what the future holds for Yussef Dayes as I can see his inbox folder blowing up after this album drops, full of artists wanting to collab.
Words by Jake Cox