After the earthy warmth of "Ethiopian Coffee," "Breezy Winds" continues in this vein with a slightly more laid-back, yet no less resonant, vibe. It's as if the trio folded their impulses into a suitcase, took a leisurely walk down a coastal promenade, and translated their perambulation into music. And poetic as that may sound, it feels that way, too. The horns buzz like an ocean breeze, the drums hunker down in a soulful shuffle, and the bars unfurl efficiently and thoughtfully.
There's infectious energy, but in the softest, most delicate touch. This is not a club banger, nor a heavy trap anthem. It's a shoulder-swaying, chin-up groove that sounds as if it opens the lungs and invites you to breathe a little deeper. There's a reflective quality here, not just in mood but in meaning. Paying homage to the late Chelsea Reject, who had the opportunity to see the trio perform live in Tokyo, the track lugs emotional weight without ever feeling bulky. And it's that duality, light but rich, calm yet grounded, that makes it so sparkly.
On the musical tip, "Breezy Winds" comfortably occupies the alt-hip-hop and conscious hip-hop worlds, heavily steeped in African musicality and the traditions of jazz. It's the sort of song where you can find yourself longing for a time that you haven't even lived through. And maybe that's the trick, as it leaves you craving more. If this is the teaser, "Vital Ital" is set to be something else. For now, we are content to remain caught in the breeze.
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