Six years out from Choose Your Weapon, the Australian outfit Hiatus Kaiyote return with twelve classy cuts of modern, creative Jazz Rock to move, sooth and groove the soul! In my mind their tone, composure and aesthetics have barely budged yet something seems seductively easy and relaxing on Mood Valiant. With an emphasis on soulful vibes and vivacious singing from Nai Palm, the music often swoons and croons into eruptions of energy guided by lively percussion rhythmic power. As such the music comes with moments, gentle rivers of warm persuasion suddenly surging with its meaning as a bend in the stream swerves, relinquishing itself to the current. Not all of the record fits this stride, towards its conclusion a couple of songs linger in moody places, drifting through dreary moods, flailing a brush of color on route.
The chemistry is wonderful as one might expect from this group. Its Nai's words that frequently arises as a poetic peak to the crafty instrumentals. With lyrics being a weak point for me, her repeated hooks dig their claws in chiming of the music with thought provoking sentiments and questions to give context to the musical direction. My favorite moments often came with the mustering surges mentioned before. Another niche observation that came with my preferences were keen druming grooves finding a sweet snare kick groove to bring some passages near to a Jazz Hop equivalent. Ultimately Mood Valiant is a very stylish record, modernizing some older values with courage and passion and forging a warm environment to slip into in the process.
Rating: 7/10