Ebi Soda

British quintet Ebi Soda may project the image of a jazz ensemble, yet their sound extends well beyond conventional limits by blending dubby effects, funky basslines, and post-punk abrasiveness. The musicians frequently contrast smooth riffs and atmospheric production against fractured rhythms and scorching solos, revealing both precise ensemble playing and an unrestrained spirit of disorder. They launched their career through a pair of EPs in 2019, with their initial full studio effort, Ugh, emerging in 2020 and Honk If You're Sad following in 2022.

The self-titled debut EP Ebi Soda reached listeners in March 2019 and was succeeded shortly afterward by Bedroom Tapes. Both projects were captured inside a modest apartment during the members’ university years, pressed on vinyl through London’s Sola Terra Records, while the digital version of Ebi Soda also carried dub remixes credited to Ash Walker. The group spent an entire year tracking their first album-length statement, which incorporated their earliest dedicated studio sessions. Ugh surfaced in May 2020; mirroring the rapid sell-outs of the earlier limited editions, this release likewise disappeared from stock almost immediately. Soul Jazz Records placed the track “Dimmsdale” on its 2020 anthology Kaleidoscope (New Spirits Known & Unknown), spotlighting standout work from the flourishing U.K. jazz community. In 2021 Ebi Soda joined the Tru Thoughts roster, unveiling the widely noticed single “Yoshi Orange” alongside fresh pressings of the two formative EPs. Their sophomore album Honk If You're Sad landed in April 2022 and featured guest contributions from Yazz Ahmed, Deji Ijishakin, and Dan Gray.