Stones Throw Records are expanding their repertoire. While the LA independent was once known for its uncompromising hip hop roister (J.Dilla, Madlib, MF DOOM et al), they’ve softened their stance in recent years. It all began with Mayer Hawthorne and his neo soul back in 2009. Two years later and The Stepkids take the label even further outside their comfort zone. The Connecticut trio incorporate a mix of 1960’s funk and jazz, classic soul, R&B and psychedelic freakouts into their sound. It’s quite unlike anything else currently doing the rounds, and when it all gels it’s genuinely brilliant. Shadows on Behalf is a highlight and sounds like a long-forgotten 1960’s pop band dragged 50 years into the future. Brain Ninja follows suit, and the whole album has a mellow, Sunday afternoon vibe to it. Sure, there are rough patches, but this is one of the best debuts in recent memory; a slow-burn mix of psychedelic soul from the middle of nowhere. By Mikolai Napieralski.

Stones Throw/ Fuse