Joesef - “Fire”

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 9

Pairs Well With…Hozier, Dominic Fike, James Blake

Mixing classic R&B with spaced-out dream pop, Joesef is engagingly smooth on sophomore EP Does It Make You Feel Good?, woozily delivering soul hooks from a contemporary lens. Bedroom pop influences texture Joesef’s soul grooves, chilling out the overall sound and adding ghostly harmonies that give his otherwise calming music a sense of mystery. The Scottish performer recently followed up the EP with “Fire”, a cinematic R&B track with a bit of jazz edge that is among the catchiest, neo-soul leaning songs in his emerging catalog. There are more atmospheric moments in Joesef’s back tracks as well, a nice balance to more groove-oriented material that provides many directions for wherever the winds take Joesef next. (Kevin McStravick)