On Friday October 24, Brooklyn native Leon Thomas released his EP PHOLKS following the announcement and release of the first single “Just How You Are” earlier this month.
Leon Thomas got his start as an actor but always had a passion for music. In the past few years, he began being recognized for his hit single “MUTT” followed by the full album of the same name which landed him in the music spotlight in the past few years.
From the lead single, it was apparent this album would take a different approach than his last, rooted in classic R&B with light airy vocals and blues-inspired instrumentals which can be heard in tracks like “Answer Your Phone”. PHOLKS explores a more produced funk soul sound with danceable hooks and psychedelic backdrops. Despite the upbeat sound the EP follows the story of a relationship that was doomed from the start as Thomas begins to accept it won’t work.
The first new track we hear “My Muse” opens with bright heavenly piano jabs and 70’s inspired synths. Thomas confesses to listeners and even the girl herself “You’re not my girl/but you still my muse”. Throughout listening it becomes apparent this collection of songs was created to be heard live; the instrumentals and vocals give Thomas and his band the space to let loose and show their individual talents.
Songs such as “Trapped”, “Baccarat,” and “Feel Alive” are produced in a way that sets his vocals to the middle rather than forefront of the listeners headspace, allowing you to focus on the depth in musicality Thomas has created as the producer. This run of songs is complete with filthy groove lines that build the same tension his lyrics speak to. It’s rare to hear a singer willingly push their voice to the background but Thomas does just that. The effect of this is disorienting in the best way; it mirrors the emotional tole of giving your all to something that just won’t work.
Thomas’ voice comes back into the usual placement at the forefront of the mix for the EP’s closeout “Lone Wolf” which goes back into the weightless harmonies floating in reverb of MUTT. This track brings the EP to a full circle. Thomas goes back and forth with the same person he knows is bad for him; it’s not until “Lone Wolf” where he accepts, he needs time alone, choosing solitude after trying everything else. The vocals are stripped down; almost numb he sings in a tone of sadness we don’t usually hear from him.
PHOLKS proves to listeners Thomas is serious when he told Rated R&B in a 2018 interview “I look at music as an open adventure,”. This EP is seemingly only the beginning of how we will see Thomas evolve.
Leon Thomas’ “MUTTS DON’T HEEL TOUR” begins in November and makes a two-night stop at Brooklyn Paramount on November 23 and 24. His discography is seemingly perfect but live there’s an opportunity for improvisation, vocal stretches, and messy grooves that only add to his talent.
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