Black Pumas Black Pumas LP (Cream Vinyl)

Black Pumas have released their highly anticipated debut album. The band is led by the creative partnership between Grammy Award-winning guitarist/producer Adrian Quesada and songwriter Eric Burton. Burton arrived in Austin, Texas in 2015 after busking his way across the country from Los Angeles, while Quesada has a storied reputation for playing in bands like Grupo Fantasma and Brownout. After the two connected via friends in the Austin scene, they began to collaborate on an original sound that ensured that Black Pumas' weekly residency at C-Boys quickly became "the hottest party in town" (Austin-American Statesman).

The two collaborated on a new sound that transmutes soul into something idiosyncratically modern - reminiscent of Ghostface Killah and Motown in equal measure.

The breakout band of 2019

Staggering... the world does indeed need Black Pumas and their message right now

The group combines dusty vintage funk with unique kaleidoscopic mind-expansion-style songwriting and creative arrangements topped with excellent vocals. The results are dramatic but with a relaxed, 'stay in the pocket' feel... Production is tight and sweaty, mixes are upfront and snug yet instrumental spacing is appropriate. Vocally, Burton is both the star of the album and an ensemble player. Upon initial spins, his vocals, hovering in an upper dead-center area of the soundstage, sell the project. But, after repeated listening, it's evident how careful Burton was not to overreach. He’s passionate, but doesn't eclipse the rest of the production.