You haven't heard of: Hiatus Kaiyote

It’s possible you haven’t heard of Hiatus Kaiyote yet, because they’re from Melbourne, Australia, which is about 9,700 miles from Bloomington.

But those who have been turned on to this band from another land predict that they will get pretty big, pretty quick.

The band’s Facebook page describes its eclectic sound as “Future Soul.” Singer Nai Palm’s voice has the warble of Erykah Badu but the jazz airiness of Norah Jones or Gretchen Parlato. Keyboardist Simon Mavin frequently uses the Fender Rhodes, the retro organ sound that you’re likely to hear on a Flying Lotus track or a J Dilla beat. Hiatus Kaiyote’s sound is definitely a throwback to the neo soul of the late 1990s. 

But just as much as you’ll hear them using Rhodes, you’ll hear them employ otherworldly electronic sound effects. The rhythm section, made up of drummer Perrin Moss and bassist Paul Bender, knows how to lay down a groove, whether it’s funk, Latin, soul or jazz.

All these parts combined with Nai Palm’s flowery pop melodies create a sound that is truly unique.

Hiatus Kaiyote played the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, earlier in March and then made their debut tour in the U.S., performing in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. Their debut album, “Tawk Tomahawk,” is available on Spotify and iTunes.

Watch the video for their song "Nakamarra."