Tom Misch and Yussef Dayes – What Kinda Music

Tom Misch released his glowing electro-soul debut album, Geography, in 2018, quickly becoming one of the most well-known breakout stars of that year. With hits like Lost in Paris and Isn’t She Lovely, the artist brought a refreshing energy to electro-pop that propelled him off Soundcloud and into the mainstream. Yussef Days, from the UK jazz group United Vibrations, has a more an experimental air and typically leans away from the catchy melodies that Misch has become so known for.

Their debut album, released this week, is the product of perfect timing. Misch first saw Dayes play drums in a talent show when they were both still at school. The two reunited at the launch party for Geography and the rest, as they say, is history.

What Kinda Music is a soundscape of pulsing jazz, yet it is also smooth and relatable to a wider audience, with Misch peppering in catchy melodies and his recognisable brand of lyricism.

The focus of the whole record is undoubtedly musicality and if there were one track on the album to show the intricate beauty of this, it’s Lift Off. Misch’s repetitive guitar chords and Days’ drumming begin fairly gently, before transforming as the song releases its climax and turns into a frenzy. The two almost seemed locked into a dance battle, both complementing and working against each other at the same time.

Kyiv and I Did It For You follow the same formula, with the two musicians each bringing their own set of sounds to the table.

However, Tidal Wave is where the duo really meet in the middle and create something incredible. What begins as a dominant lead by Yussef Days is quickly matched by Misch’s pointed vocals. It’s laid-back, stripped-back, fresh and authentic. This song undoubtedly combines the best of each musician. 

What Kinda Music is a blend between two artists of unique calibre, bringing both their sounds together to create something entirely new. It’s a landscape of high-quality jazz musicianship made relatable for the masses.

Grace Walsh
Photo: Joshua Osborne

What Kinda Music is released on 1^st May 2020. For further information or to order the album visit What Kinda Music’s website here.

Watch the What Kinda Music documentary here: