The Philharmonik - “Lost in Translation”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 6

Pairs Well With…Anderson. Paak, Thundercat, Dylan Cartlidge

California funk artist The Philharmonik continues to hone his smooth-soul/chillwave grooves on 2020 single “Lost in Translation”, a classic, slow-jam R&B number modernized through some hazy atmospherics and new-wave synth action. It’s among a string of strong singles since The Philharmonik’s 2018 self-titled debut, also featuring highlight track “Drugs”, a weirdly sunny hip hop track about struggle and opportunity that’s as introspective and personal as it is catchy and fun. The more The Philharmonik leans into his old-school hip hop side the better (see “Make a Play” for a good example of his pop-oriented songwriting mixed with some jazz and psychedelic soul), but it’s also in his track-to-track diversity of sound where his well-rounded music really breathes. (Kevin McStravick)