Helia Tatla are French singer and musician Leah Attali and New York City, USA-based guitarist and songwriter Geoff Bradford. The pair have just come to my attention through the release of their debut, self-titled EP.

By Graeme Smith

Though this is their first release together, both members of Helia Tatla can claim success in their own right. Geoff’s 2023 album The Voyage Out got plenty of attention while Leah has been releasing singles since 2021. The two were brought together through a mutual love of music and culture, and the result is this self-titled EP.

Together, they create something bigger than the sum of their parts. There is an instant feeling of connection in Helia Tatla, all delivered against a backdrop of timeless soul and funk. We get right into it with EP opener Third Culture Kids. Leah’s vocals are immediately arresting – smooth, charismatic and compelling. Geoff provides some sublime harmonies in a singalong chorus while the track’s lyrics encourage us to open our minds.

Three more tracks show us what Helia Tatla are all about. Servant’s Heart introduces some laidback folk with rich, psychedelic and romantic storytelling. Caught Up In slows things down with a pensive piano-led moment that draws on politics for its lyrics. Ocean Blue closes the record with a sultry and funky finish. The EP’s themes are strong and coherent, urging us to change our point of view in order to bond over our similarities and celebrate our differences.

Helia Tatla are a pair who deliver the breath of fresh air I was crying out for today. Through their words of encouragement, unique musical craftmanship, and raw chemistry, they’ve created an excellence collection with their self-titled debut. There’s something for lovers of the old and the new in it.

Helia Tatla is out now via Go Potato Music and you can check it out below.