Future Classic: Dan Kye “Joy, Ease, Lightness EP”

The quality of the releases on Bradley Zero’s Rhythm Section International shows no sign of diminishing.

This time they’ve hooked up with Jordan Rakei for a new 4-track EP under the guise of Dan Kye. Just over three years ago, Rakei’s debut EP, Franklin’s Room, introduced the world to his distinctive vocals and neo-soul-inflected sound that has earned him plaudits after plaudits.

The London-based artist followed up his debut with “Groove Curse” EP with a sound Rakei described as “raw, vocal-driven, groove”. His much anticipated full-length “Cloak” saw him taking further risks and delving deeper into his creative well delivering a record. It’s soulful, experimental, and feels utterly timeless.

With his latest project, he aims the sound squarely at the dance floor, but with a meditative awareness that reaches far beyond the club. An original EP spanning over 4 tracks, “Joy, Ease, Lightness” is a soulful house­, jazzy affair with Kye vocals lending a­ rich R&B feel throughout. Opening with “Change” with its uptempo, danceable groove and an infectious melody it’s a future classic for all those funky loving people. Next, comes probably my favourite track “Like You Wanna” backed by a pumping bass, moody vocal sample and Kye’s warm tones this one had me hooked from the jump. Other tracks include “Tolle” where we see him stripping everything else back to a delicate and minimal groove and closing track “iigo” in which the slo-mo jazz/ broken beat production sits somewhere between Henry Wu and K15.

“Joy, Ease, Lightness” drops on December 9th via the Rhythm Section.

Words by Twisted Soul

Twisted Soul

Twisted Soul (that's how we like our music) is an online magazine which looks beyond the mainstream and seeks out new artists which we hope you will love. Enjoy the music and support the artist.