EXTENDED PLAY 076: SQUID THE KID | KOZY TAPE | ALBUM REVIEW
Words by Sofia Perica.
This up-and-coming Naarm based artist, Squid The Kid, is singlehandedly carrying the revival of Australian RnB into the local scene and I am so here for it. Making his debut in late 2019, his music has been compared to that of Mac Miller and Anderson Paak; using smooth vocals with a groovy beat and strong instrumentation.
His new album, KOZY TAPE, showcases his ability to genre bend where he blends elements of electronic pop, jazz, rap, and RnB. The project embodies a ‘mixtape vibe’ where each track is vastly different from one another; intended to challenge his listeners to a new music style.
Squid The Kid says of KOZY TAPE: "I honestly don’t know how people will react to the vast arrangement of songs, but I wanted to push the boundaries and give myself a challenge to attempt to write music in different pockets."
The first track, Moves, uses an electronic beat with a groovy rhythm to experiment within the electronic funk genre.
The storytelling in the lyrics incites this visceral image of the giddy excitement that’s associated with having that initial attraction in meeting someone. This song feels confidently optimistic. It makes me want to walk down a busy street and strut in a cool outfit.
Squid The Kid talks of Moves: “Moves recaps a story of two individuals grabbing each other's attention, then proceeding to ditch their original plans and head out on a spontaneous adventure, whilst getting to know each other in the process".
The other tracks on the EP; Stay, Know You Better and Seen Zone lean more into the pop genre, whilst still staying true to Squid The Kids’ funky flare that he’s known for.
Speed, the last song on the album, has been described as an experimentation of a kind of ‘jazz drill’ – where he blends hip-hop rap with funky, groove elements. The overall laid-back nature of these songs feels very summery and peaceful. It makes me want to fall in love in the summertime and lounge on a beach chair.
KOZY TAPE showcases Squid The Kids’ versatility and his unique ability to create some serious dance-worthy tunes through a funky and slick beat. I am so excited to see him blow up in the coming years.