Mood Valiant does an excellent job at allowing Nai Palm’s impeccable voice to be more of the centerpoint. It’s really a loss for the whole group, especially since Nai Palm’s solo album Needle Paw shows just how much better she is when given freedom and space. Nai Palm delves into a wonderful vocal performance that feels lost in the mix, with the other three members not doing much to support her singular, powerful voice. One of the main problems with Hiatus Kaiyote’s previous works, especially in Choose your Weapon, is that the complexity was at times overbearing. After six years, Hiatus Kaiyote has released their third album Mood Valiant, which not only sees them tackling more programmatic music, but also sees the group transform and unify to bring us incredible psychedelic neo-soul music for the body, mind, and soul. Songs like “By Fire” and “Swamp Thing” showcase their undeniable musical intensity while “Laputa” and “Fingerprints”show their dexterity for a breezy neo-soul sound. Their magnus opus Choose Your Weapon captures the sound of four insanely gifted musicians creating music set to inspire chaos, wonder, and affinity. Together, the band flawlessly performs some of the most rhythmically and harmonically complex compositions seen from neo-soul groups in this day and age. She has one of the greatest vocal ranges seen in lead singers today, maintaining a powerful tone indefinitely as she harmonizes with her guitar and croons insane riffs. Finally, is vocalist and guitarist Naomi Saalfield, or better known as Nai Palm. Bassist Paul Bender is the foundation of the group, knowing exactly when to lay back and when to kick the music into high gear. Keyboardist Simon Mavin is well-versed in jazz piano techniques as well as James Poyser/Stevie Wonder R&B harmony and comping. Drummer Perrin Moss is a self-taught drummer who embodies that Questlove/Chris Dave laid back groove as well as other complex drummer grooves reminiscent of jazz giants like Elvin Jones and Jack DeJohnette. Similarly, the Australian neo-soul group Hiatus Kaiyote fits this description. Bands like John Coltrane’s Classic Quartet, Pink Floyd, and The Jimi Hendrix Experience were well-balanced, extraordinary, and successful groups who all had members who shine both collectively and individually. It’s always a thrill to hear a band with equally skilled, hyper-professional members.
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