Cousin Kula

There is something about every track laid by the Bristol based band Cousin Kula that makes it sound utterly retro while feeling quite contemporary at the same time. Stylistically, they are at that sweet spot, right where psychedelic pop overlaps with the form of soul pop that is closely associated with the early '70s. There are instantly recognizable soul jazz parts in their music (that flute!) as well as a form of sophisticated classic pop and old school smooth jazz with a touch of fusion, pop or otherwise. They are firmly planted on the warm and mellow side of the fence, enjoying some sweet grooves that are confident in their seductive sound. In so many ways, their music comes across as the contemporary equivalent of putting on a Marvin Gaye or Barry White record to get in the right mood for romance. Fine, maybe not exactly the same thing, but pretty close.