Earthtones

Released in 2018, Earthtones represents a pivotal moment in Bahamas' (Afie Jurvanen) career, shifting from the chamber-folk leanings of Bahamas is Afie toward a more rhythm-centric, indie-soul sound. The album's distinctive character is largely attributed to the rhythm section of bassist Pino Palladino and drummer James Gadson, legendary session musicians known for their work with D'Angelo and Bill Withers. Their presence infuses the record with a deep, pocket-heavy groove that contrasts beautifully with Jurvanen's signature sparse guitar work and deadpan baritone. Recorded with a focus on live takes and minimal processing, the album earned a Grammy nomination for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical, highlighting its technical excellence and sonic purity. Critics praised the record for its wit and its ability to blend genres like funk, folk, and soft rock into a cohesive, understated whole. It remains a standout in the Canadian indie landscape for its unique use of negative space.