Giving us soul, reggae and afrobeat, The Soul Sessions is the new EP from BBC 6Music supported act, Kaya Street.

By Graeme Smith

Previously featuring on our pages in 2023 thanks to their single, Glow, Kaya Street is an act that we’ve been keeping an eye on. Their new EP, The Soul Sessions, gives us the chance to get more intimately acquainted with their sound.

Recorded in three sessions in 2012 at Exeter’s Valvetastic Studios, the EP consists of five tracks that run a gamut of styles while staying pleasingly coherent. Wild Child gives us a brassy, lively soul-searching start. Expressive vocals provide a focal point after a catchy instrumental opening before a cosmic breakdown tees up the track’s big finish.

Sway is groovy and emotional, pairing soaring vocals with earthy instrumentals. Be Mine and Low both take on the topic of love – the former exploring its complexities in the modern age through a wistful and timeless arrangement while the latter is a slow-burning and melancholic exploration of the unrequited variety. It takes it time unfolding over a soulful and stirring almost eight minutes. The EP is rounded off in joyous style by Alfie which brims with positive philosophical energy.

I probably don’t share enough reggae to these pages. I have to admit, it’s not my favourite genre. Yet, when done well, as is the case with Kaya Street, it can be truly irresistible. The upbeat compositions on display on their new EP, coupled with the “live performance” style of recording, creates a collection that will have you moving and feeling close to the action.

The Soul Sessions EP is produced by Jolyon Holroyd and features contributions from Dan Salter on drums, Mark Lee on bass and Ray Beavis on sax. It’s out now and you can give it a listen below.