Cousin Kula
Living together, nestled in the sun-drenched hills on the outskirts of Bristol, Cousin Kula have created their own musical universe of otherworldly pop serenity with vastly distinct, but complementary elements: “the possibilities of jazz, the emphatic energy of club culture, and the sonic tapestries of psychedelia” CLASH remark “to name but a few.”
Having to forgo all planned studio sessions during lockdown, the band decided to start laying down tracks themselves at home. At first this formed the Casa Kula Cassette, released at the tail end of 2020 to appease their insatiable fan base. This release also grabbed the attention of beloved tastemaker and DJ Bradley Zero, who encouraged the band to put together a full length to be released on Rhythm Section Intl. in 2021. “The band balance an outsider approach with more hooks than you can shake a stick at” the label boss explains “the result being a gently beguiling sound that effortlessly draws you in, revealing more character with each listen.”
Masters of their craft, but also of restraint, this prodigal band is known to fans for their superior live show. Having performed live in various bands pretty much every month for the past 10 years and since they were in their early teens, not being able to hit the stage during lockdown took its toll on these musicians. Ever resourceful, however, Cousin Kula began a series of their own home-made live sessions, which lead in turn to a Boiler Room Session and further a request from XL signees BADBADNOTGOOD to record a live adaptation of their new single.
Now, Cousin Kula flutter into the collective consciousness with a timeless slice of psychedelic soul on their new material. The latest band to emerge out of the buoyant Bristol music scene, they have stripped back all excess baggage for their most accomplished recordings to date.