By Molly Tursi
Staff Writer
Within the interior of music production, there are numerous outlets for creatives to flourish in their musicality. Audio engineers, songwriters, producers and artists are all vital to the essence of sound as their respective creativity contributes to the final product.
Acclaimed as one of the most standout producers working today, Leon Thomas III has lent his musical brilliance to the music industry for over a decade. As heard in “Snooze” by the R&B powerhouse SZA, “Tattooed Heart" by pop sweetheart Ariana Grande or “Tell Me That You Love Me” from the hit Nickelodeon show “Victorious”, it is clear to the ear that Thomas is any artist's lucky charm.
After playing an integral part in the formation of other artists’ sound, Thomas released his debut album “Electric Dusk” in 2023. Continuing to produce, his work on SZA’s “Snooze” went on to win a Grammy for Best R&B song in 2024.
Led by a force of momentum, Thomas’ sophomore album “MUTT” released in September of the same year. The album reached meteoric success as it holds the title of Billboard’s No. 1 R&B album of 2024, with its titular song garnering the most streams out of the tracklist.
On Oct. 24, Thomas released his second EP since 2018, “PHOLKS.” The EP runs seven tracks long and expands his R&B sound with fusions of soul, funk, hip-hop, and a trace of psychedelic rock.
Thomas sets the EP in motion with a jackrabbit start, opening with the beat and bass driven tracks “Just How You Are” and “My Muse.” The songs introduce the presence of funk on the EP and maintain a steady yet fast-track pace all the way through.
Teasing the EP, Thomas had released “Just As You Are” as a single in early October, accompanied by a music video featuring actress Lovie Simone.
“I watched a documentary before I made that record [“Just As You Are”], and it was really talking about how Prince would rehearse in the studio for, like, three or four hours,” Thomas told NPR's Juana Summers. “And then he would make a record, and he would jump from instrument to instrument and not think too hard. And that record came from me trying to be Prince.”
Descending into the third track, “5MoreMinutes” affects a mellow tune with twangy instrumentals and composed rhythm. The song likens to indie rock, namely with a sound similar to that of Steve Lacy.
Thomas explores a sound that veers on the heavy side of rock with invigorating tracks “Trapped” and “Baccarat.” Both songs, replete with stinging guitar riffs and thrashing drum beats, emphasize the use of instruments to band together the compelling tracks.
Closing out the album, Thomas winds down with “Feel Alive” and “Lone Wolf (feat. 4batz).” Despite the slow tempo, the songs are still as exciting as the rest of the album and showcase Thomas’ musical acuity.
“PHOLKS” stands strong as an eclectic approach to music from Thomas, and paces perfectly as an EP. Each song offers up something different and interesting, making for a well-rounded addition to Thomas’ sensational discography.
