The six cuts that make up Brooklyn duo Bathe’s first new release since dropping their Bicoastal LP back in 2021 revolve around one very simple idea: that our physical body and the mental faculties held within are generally in two very different places at any given time. “Inside Voice(s): Side A is for all the overthinkers,” shared the duo of Devin Hobdy and Corey Smith-West upon the new EP’s release earlier this month, which takes a less physical approach to the separation hinted at in the title of their debut. “Anyone who knows what it’s like to be lost in a daydream, wrestle with a loud inner monologue, or hear the whispers of the people you love from the depths of your mind.”
Despite the incongruity of this lyrical concept, Hobdy and Smith-West sound entirely fused together across these tracks, with the former’s smooth R&B vocals cooing over the latter’s glowing synthpop instrumentals. With the EP out now, the duo sounds thrilled at the idea of a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, as suggested by the playlist they crafted for us which they’ve titled “Outside Voices”—as opposed to the inside ones that populate their new EP. Compiling songs for a retreat from NYC, vivid storytellers like Vince Staples and MAVI sit alongside soul icon (and mother of Maya Rudolph) Minnie Riperton, pop chart-topper Clairo, and even a Puerto Rican salsa ensemble.
Check out the full playlist below with commentary from Bathe, and stream Inside Voice(s): Side A here.
Alex Banin, “Fifteen Hundred Jackson”
Alex Banin is one of those artists who feels inevitable, and “Fifteen Hundred Jackson” is the track that made us realize just how inevitable. This song sounds like the kind of memory we'd like to live in—warm, fuzzy, and gently haunting.
Merges & Kaelin Ellis, “cool_v2"
Hearing this track transports us back to the early Soulection days, when hearing a familiar melody over a subby bass line felt divine. Merges and Kaelin really hit the “future beats” sweet spot with this one.
Minnie Riperton, “Les Fleurs”
We had to throw in a classic. To this day, Minnie’s voice is simply untouchable. This song just blooms with color and warmth. For us, it’s a gentle reminder of why we make music in the first place—to create something beautiful that stays with people.
Vince Staples, “Children’s Song”
Vince is one of hip-hop’s best storytellers. He just knows how to paint a vivid picture in one bar and immediately follow it up with a stand-up worthy quip in the next. This is one of our favorites from his latest album.
Little Beaver, “Let the Good Times Roll”
One of most slept-on guitar heroes of all time, every riff that we write is at least in part inspired by Little Beaver. Who else can make the guitar sound so effortlessly sunny and groovy at the same time?
Armando Young, “Prize Fighter”
Armando Young’s velvet vocals and perfect melodies through a Jai Paul–esque vocal chain? Sign us up every single time.
Clairo, “Add Up My Love”
This is kinda just a perfect song, and we’ll leave it at that.
MAVI, “Testimony”
Every time MAVI hops on a beat with no percussion, we know we’re about to get hit in the feels. “Testimony” is two and a half minutes of earnestness and gratitude that reminds us to be grateful for how far we’ve come.
Bathe, “Avalon”
Had to throw one of our own songs on here. This one’s for all the lunch break daydreamers out there.
WESLEE, “backseat”
When we first threw on Weslee World 2, we were simply blown away. Their sound makes you feel like you’re soaring on a cloud above your childhood home. We can’t wait to see where this duo heads next.
Childish Gambino, “Steps Beach”
Not gonna lie, this is def our favorite cut from the new (perhaps last?) Childish Gambino record. It’s just Donald Glover in his musical element. Something you can cuddle with bae to in the morning.
El Gran Combo De Puerto Rico, “Un verano en Nueva York”
You know how the moment when summer in NYC hits you forget that you’ve survived two blizzards, the gray slush of death, and seasonal depression? This song is that moment. You know the feeling is fleeting, but for right now…we’re outside.
Romeo + Juliet, “Motherland/3AM”
Every once in a while you come across an artist that makes you turn off the interface for the day. Romeo + Juliet has been that artist for us on more than a few occasions. As brilliant at crafting melodies as they are at creating soundscapes, Romeo + Juliet has been hella inspiring recently.
Caine Casket, “New Lyfe”
This song makes me wanna take my plants for a night out at The Good Room. It feels like the cleanest possible energy is coursing through my veins every time I press play.
