Summer By The River: Cousin Kula, RYBES and Goetia

Cousin Kula

Living together, nestled in the sun-drenched hills on the outskirts of Bristol, Cousin Kula have created an otherworldly musical universe.

On new album ‘Vitamin D’ (Spring 2024, Rhythm Section Intl.), the Cousin Kula sound is unmistakable, instantly recognisable - just somehow renewed. If their debut album ‘Double Dinners’ was the soundtrack to your heartbreak, then this is the sound of falling back in love again. This feeling is encapsulated in the warm horns, care-free groove and potent potential of the band’s exclamation, “Summers coming!”

With this sophomore effort, Cousin Kula have expanded their vocabulary but also learnt when to just sit back in the groove. A quintet of virtuosic musicians - Cousin Kula appear to have nothing left to prove - flexing when necessary, but more often than not, stripping it right back and revelling in the pocket. Funk & disco has permeated their psychedelic indie-soul sound and it’s all the better for it.

RYBES

Creating an orbit with warm, fat, melodic guitar tones and ethereal vocals. Her music is inspired by the fearless approach of black women that came before her Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, Betty Davis, Ella Fitz Gerald mixed with disruptive artists such as Hiatus Kaiyote, Frank Ocean, SAULT and The Internet.

Her debut single Wading is out on all platforms and has been featured on BBC Radio 1, Foundation FM, Balaami Radio and more. RYBES is due to release her first full length EP in autumn 2024.

Goetia

Goetia is a 6-piece Brighton-based band drawing from Jazz, Hip-Hop and Funk amongst a myriad other styles. Born through the experimentation of genre-fusing and a love for absurdity. Spoken word vocals intertwine with upbeat rhythms and psychedelic melodies, creating a sonic tapestry that takes listeners on an otherworldly journey. As they continue pushing the boundaries

Location: The Scoop

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