Hiatus Kaiyote @ Paramount Theatre

Wednesday, February 22nd • 7:30 pm

Here’s a midweek chance to nourish your soul: Cosmic soul group Hiatus Kaiyote brings the funk to the Paramount Theatre this upcoming Wednesday. After a six-year album hiatus, the group is back on tour following the 2021 release of Mood Valiant, which they developed during grief, loss, and lockdown. But despite that source inspiration, the album isn’t a mood-killer—it’s triumphant. 

Formed in Melbourne, Australia in 2011—and comprised of Naomi “Nai Palm” Saalfield on guitar and lead vocals, bassist Paul Bender, Simon Mavin on airy keys, and Perrin Moss on drums—Hiatus Kaiyote released their debut album Tawk Tomahawk in 2013. Since then, they’ve gotten props from Prince, Erykah Badu, and Questlove (a jaw-dropping trifecta IMO). And in 2021 they signed with Flying Lotus’ label, Brainfeeder/Ninja Tune.

Trying to box Hiatus Kaiyote in with one label is a disservice, but the band has described their sound as “wondercore,” and I can’t argue with that. Nearly every track off Mood Valiant is either an absolute groove or boisterous in the best way possible. Listening to the band live is gonna be a spiritual experience for me.

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