‘Future soul’ collective Brother Zulu grabbed our attention with their debut release ‘Honey’, a rich soulful lament that made its way into The House That Soul Built’s ‘Best Songs of 2018’ countdown. Subsequent releases ‘Fire’ and ‘Ice Cold’ veered more into soulful house territory.

Last year, the group were selected for the ‘New Talent Development Programme’ of Kingston upon Thames-based organisation CirKT, an initiative supported by the Mayor of London. Brother Zulu were awarded the Spotlight award, granting them the funds to build their own recording studio in Battersea, South West London.

Their latest single ‘Lights’ is the first to be recorded in their new studio. Written by all five members of the group, and produced by flutist and keyboardist Lawrence Ajadi, ‘Lights’ is a laid-back soulful jam with sonic similarities to ‘Honey’.

The band explains: ‘The track explores the platonic charm of a lusting pair and the consequences of allowing the animalistic instinct of human attraction to take over.  However, once the primal instincts peak, all that’s left is peace and reflection.’

Vocalist Max Tuohy croons with finesse. Beginning with just vocals and guitar, the group gradually add their layered touches, hitting a sweet spot with the bouncy chorus. Their diverse musical vocabulary feeds into the song with its jazzy interludes and R&B cadences.