Emerging from obscurity is Kooyeh with a unique brand of sound unlike any other being produced on the continent. These unlikely minstrels are swiftly ingratiating themselves with crowds by stealth. Borne from the Blue Mountains ether is a musical aesthetic poised to arrest the global stage.

This soul-infused, quasi-reggae/dub outfit began life laying tracks in a Katoomba home studio. What came of the early collaboration was debut album Soul Cleansing, which received critical acclaim all along the eastern seaboard. It also landed the band a prime gig as support act for Julian Marley.

Kooyeh is a sophisticated, cooperative whose holy trinity consists of keys and vocals - Isaac Walker, bass and vocals - Sam Morrison, and drums - Louie Michael. Accompanying these three at live shows are incidental musicians such as guest vocalist Jace Excell and blazing brass sections.

In demand by the festival circuit, Kooyeh have been invited to front audiences at Rainbow Serpent, Apollo Bay and Blue Mountains festivals. And after not much more than a year together, this is just the beginning. Now based in Melbourne, the band are currently working up their second album.

Watch this space.

Beyond Kooyeh’s articulate synthesis of musical styles, is an outstanding song-writing ability. Mountain Top represents their first official release, a song that gave them an instant fan base and Haven’t Found a Lady is one of Jace Excell’s creations which he gifted to Kooyeh.

“Gone are the days when the sounds of righteous reggae only came out of Jamaica... Kooyeh have managed to capture something fresh here. An appealing mix of finely honed and laidback, this should guarantee them a massive future.” Chris Lambie, Rhythms Music Magazine

“The Katoomba-bred Melbourne-based collective boasts deadly vocal and brass sections. Kooyeh's music is taut, tight and terrific, indicative of an outfit that lives, works and plays together... and Soul Cleansing is an auspicious debut album.” Tony Hillier, The Australian


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