Outside

Outside creates a soundscape that sits perfectly at the intersection of live musicianship and crate-digging culture. It is music that feels deeply rooted in the 1990s London acid jazz scene, yet it carries a cinematic weight that keeps it from feeling dated. You can hear the influence of hard bop and modal jazz, but it is filtered through the rhythmic sensibilities of hip-hop and the atmospheric textures of trip-hop.

What truly distinguishes Outside is the way Matt Cooper and Andy Allen balance technical proficiency with mood. While many of their contemporaries leaned into the 'party' side of funk, Outside often explores a more introspective, noir-inflected territory. The drums are crisp and breakbeat-heavy, but the melodic elements - ghostly piano chords, muted horns, and liquid basslines - create a sense of mystery and urban isolation.

Start with 'Almost In' to hear the definitive blueprint of their sound. It is an essential listen for anyone who loves the sophisticated, sample-driven jazz of the late 20th century. It works equally well as a focused listening experience or as the perfect backdrop for a late-night drive through a city that never quite sleeps.