Leon Thomas made quite the impression on Phoenix's Van Buren stage earlier this week during his Mutts Don’t Heel tour, especially with his funk-filled performance that left the audience demanding more. According to Phoenix New Times, Thomas' set included a mix of singles and album tracks from his sophomore effort "MUTT" and latest EP "PHOLKS," both of which feature an electric mix of R&B shot through with the artist's signature funk sound.
Thomas, known to lead with his electric funk groove, seems to have more than delivered on expectations, with Phoenix New Times describing the concertgoers' swaying and nodding along to epic guitar solos from Thomas and his bassist "brother, Obie." However, it wasn't all about the music; Thomas also took a moment to humorously recall his acting roots, including his stint on Nickelodeon's "Victorious" and HBO's "Insecure" – details that the audience seemed to savor. Thomas' riffing on a Floetry classic during his performance of "YES IT IS" was a standout moment, transforming The Van Buren into a de facto gospel church.
The recent release of Thomas' EP, "PHOLKS," follows the artist's exploration of genre boundaries and his penchant to often mix in nostalgic R&B with modern beats. New Wave Magazine highlights Thomas' blend of snares and layered vocals to create rhythmically rich grooves throughout the nine-track project. Songs like "Just How You Are" and "My Muse" reinforce Thomas' grip on what seems to be a fresh take on classic R&B.
The New Wave Magazine review also praises "Baccarat" for its electric guitar and percussive intensity, likening it to late D’Angelo's stylistic approach, while "Feel Alive" is noted for its cathartic expression over reflective drums. It's the final track, "Lone Wolf," featuring 4Batz, which elegantly concludes the EP on a meditative note. Leon Thomas is gearing up to prove that he is an artist to continue to watch out for with this recent release and his upcoming UK tour. As "PHOLKS" garners attention, it solidifies Thomas' role in redefining contemporary R&B.
