Edge and Babi Lou are a Haitian-American duo who blend commercial pop and hip hop to create something uniquely theirs. Though new to us, they’ve already got a few releases under their belts and a big fanbase in upstate New York. They’ve just released their latest EP Endless Summer 2. Here’s my track by track rundown.
By Graeme Smith
Feature photo by Edge & Babi Lou
The EP opens with the delightfully chilled 3 Seconds. There’s a mainstream appeal to their sound but they set themselves apart through the wordplay in their lyrics, which feel immediately fresh. A soaring, emotive hook seals the deal. It’s a strong start.
If You Wit It takes things to the club with big bass beats, groovy percussion and a lively melody. You can’t help but nod along to the vocal flow in the verse and, again, the duo set themselves apart with an unconventional sound and clever lyrics.
Sorry steers things in an intimate and emotive direction. It’s an edgy love song with elements of reggaetón and plenty of name checks – perfect for the bedroom after the club. The vocals ooze charisma and it’s hard not to be a little seduced.
Intoxicated is dark and moody, a wonderful contrast to the bright pop we’ve had so far. Autotune is deployed well, emphasising the emotion of the vocals without overdoing it. The authentic feel of the confessional lyrics make them very compelling. It’s an EP highlight.
Can’t Stay ties together the themes of the EP together so far well – love, intoxication, hedonism. Musically it feels like a hybrid too. It has the chilled feel of 3 Seconds, the dance beat of If You Wit It and the Latin influences of Sorry, all while bringing something new to the EP’s soundscape. It’s another highlight.
The EP finishes with Do It Again, which takes an unexpected turn into classic funk, soul and jazz. They’re paired with a commercial dance beat and bright vocal delivery which ensures that you end the EP with a smile on your face.
Edge & Babi Lou have pulled off quite a feat with this EP. It’s six tracks that work in so many different situations yet still feel entirely cohesive. Pop is a genre that can often feel bland and full of pretenders so it’s always great to find an act that’s doing their own thing like these two are. You can check out Endless Summer 2 below.
