Each of KOHO's three singles evokes a distinctly different musical moment.
According to the singer herself, "As I Headed" featuring rapper Simahoy of Bad Joyscoutt (released back in January), was a shout-out to the West Coast 1970s funk of Zapp and the Philly soul of Hall & Oates from the same period. While her debut single "Campfire," from August, was strongly indebted 1990s alternative dance music innovators like Cibo Matto or Luscious Jackson.
On "Wait 4U," released Wednesday, KOHO and Lee channel a different moment in 1990s dance music history, the blockbuster collaboration between vocalist Aaliyah and producer-rapper Timbaland.
There are numerous nods to Timbaland's highly influential sound of the period, from the stutter step beat of "Try Again" to the high-midrange pops and squeaks of "Are You That Somebody."
Though "Wait 4U" isn't a mere tribute number. Shades of Jamaican dub and German electronic music also find their way into the mix. And KOHO brings an original sound to whatever recording she is on. The vocalist even tries her hand at rapping a few bars with a surprisingly good result.
Though KOHO and Lee seem to be at their best when they stretch further back into pop music's storied past and have a framework of influences that goes even further back, with a sound this diverse across the first three singles, these are two artists are undeniably worth watching.
Listen to the new single from KOHO "Wait 4 U" featuring Lee Daheen
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