In the last five years or so, I’ve been way into instrumental beat collections. This is nothing particularly unique or new – the ubiquity of “lo-fi hip hop beats” is well-known to anyone even casually into the newer distillations of music in the internet age. That said, Distant Wavves is a standout example of instrumental tunes, especially considering that I first heard of Kokayi in the context of his improvisational vocal work.

Released as an accompanying soundtrack to a collection of photography during the pandemic in 2020, Kokayi’s work here is a blend of intimate texture and cinematic melody. From brooding and thoughtful to playful and psychedelic, the music is the perfect soundtrack for the subjects of the photo essay: beaches, sunsets, and bodies of water from around the world.

What really sets this record apart is Kokayi’s obvious knowledge and love of music as an art form itself, unrestrained by stylistic barriers. Infused with soul, jazz, hip hop, and yes, some lo-fi trademarks, the songs are remarkably expansive yet concise. There’s not a wasted moment on the entire record – all killer, no filler, as they say. This is one of a few albums in my current rotation that I can just start up again immediately once I finish listening.

Without getting too flowery about it, this is simply some of the coolest music I’ve heard in a while. In March I saw Kokayi perform live, and the vibes were off the charts, which is definitely the case on Distant Wavves as well. You could be lying on a beach yourself, or exploring forest overgrowth, or reading a good book on your couch, and the music would be equally appropriate, which is really saying something; it’s not often music displays such versatility with such a coherent vision.

Luminous keys, laser synthesizers. Slinky bass, dusky drums. An overall twilight sort of vibe that is somehow also perfect for the early morning golden hour. I could go on and on with the descriptions, but really, you just need to get this in your ears. There is a fluid, graceful wooziness to these songs, which I realize is a bit contradictory, but you’ll know what I mean when you listen.

Organic electronic at its finest. I really do need to stop myself from going on and on about it, because that’s time that you could spend listening to this record instead. Enjoy!