Artists You Should Know: Cousin Kula
Alfred Thirolle
There is something indescribable about Cousin Kula. Their sound is familiar, but also different. The Bristol band has found their sound in Progressive Jazz, meaning they are not afraid to experiment with the genre. Their sound consists of technical-driven drum lines with psychedelic synthesizers, guitars, and funky bass lines. Their production has improved significantly since their debut EP ‘OODLES’ (2017). However, they have always stuck true to their experimental roots. ‘OODLES’ was based around the experimentation of Rock music. While sticking to acoustic drums and electric guitars, they also incorporated explosive vocals and synthesizers. After the release of this EP, they embarked on a short UK tour and returned in 2019.
Their second studio EP, ‘STROODLES’ (2019) showed significant improvement from their 2017 debut. The sound of Jazz became more prominent in their music, and their production value improved significantly. The sounds became clearer, fuller, and more fun to listen to. The vocals have more air to them but still showcase range and talent. The most popular track off of the EP is ‘Jelly Love.’ It is a powerful introduction track that takes the listener into a psychedelic world. It is clear that Cousin Kula draws inspiration from Tame Impala, the Australian psychedelic music act fronted by Kevin Parker. Although that kind of sound is hard to pull off in a way that is captivating and clean, Cousin Kula can provide both. The deep, smooth bassline provides a sense of balance to the rest of the song. In production that is dominated by high and mid frequencies, the bass provides a needed contrast. The rest of the EP flows seamlessly from song to song. Sonically, it remains consistent. They are able to spice things up with their arrangement and lyrical work.
After STROODLES, they were back in the studio. In 2020, they released their single, ‘McLovin You.’ They delved into new territory with this song. Many parts of the song were more bass oriented and they incorporated saxophone solos into the song. This particular song reminds me of Puma Blue in terms of the arrangement, lyrics, and the way it is produced. The keyboard sound is a lot less explosive in comparison to their previous work, and the bass and drums sound more dynamic. At this stage of their career, they were building up to the release of their debut album, ‘Double Dinners’ (2021). On the other hand, they weren’t spoon-feeding their audience. The first single from the album, ‘BabyBack’ was released on August 4, 2021. This is the kind of song
that every Progressive Jazz fan wants. The bass hits the ear in the right way, and the vocals are drier as opposed to their past bodies of work. They set the bar very high with this song but waited to release the remaining singles. They were building tension amongst their listeners, making them want more. The second and third singles (‘Now That You’re Gone’ and ‘Something So Sweet’) dropped in October and November 2021. These singles were just as good as ‘BabyBack.’ They embodied the same style as the first single and were equally as groovy.
‘Double Dinners,’ Cousin Kula’s debut album released on November 26, 2021. As a band, it marked a new era for them. They took their time, and only put their best foot forward with this album. It totals in 9 songs, with a run time of 37 minutes. The album embodies a sensual sound, and again has a lot of air to it. It is one of the stronger debut albums I have heard from an artist. Although they did take their time releasing the album, it helped them in the long run. There is something that people can learn from Cousin Kula. We live in a world where music is easy to release, and many artists think that they need to be releasing songs very frequently, even if those songs don’t represent their best work. In the end, Cousin Kula have stuck true to themselves. By doing so, they are getting the recognition they deserve. It is only a matter of time they give us more, and it will certainly hit the mark.
