Philadelphia-based producers Tom Croke and Steve Hackett join forces as Night Owl Committee for their debut on the ISNESS sublabel of Analogical Force, delivering an eight-track journey titled Drownded EP. The record glides effortlessly through laid-back beats, funky basslines, fluid synth textures, and cleverly woven guitar samples, resulting in a psychedelic excursion that never loses its spark.
From the opening track onward, Croke and Hackett prove themselves a formidable duo, crafting grooves that feel both meticulously produced and effortlessly cool. Drownded EP is the kind of release that begs to be played on a quiet Saturday night at home, where its slowed-down, lo-fi, jazz-inflected hip-hop rhythms can properly sink in. The synth work flows with a buttery smoothness, wrapping around the beats like smoke curling in dim light, while the basslines and guitar flourishes keep the atmosphere grounded and alive. Pair it with a good drink, and you’ve got an evening soundtrack that feels timeless.
One of the record’s strengths lies in its heavy use of string samples, which could easily overwhelm in less careful hands. Here, though, the strings are balanced against both electronic and acoustic layers, weaving seamlessly into the larger soundscape. The melodic ideas unfold with a hypnotic patience, riding over downtempo hip-hop rhythms that evolve into a final product as intoxicating as it is cohesive.
For us, Drownded EP marks the first encounter with Night Owl Committee, and it leaves a lasting impression. With its blend of psychedelic flair, jazz sensibility, and beat-driven cool, it’s a release that not only showcases the duo’s chemistry but also hints at exciting things to come. Hopefully, this won’t be the last time their name surfaces on our radar.
Drownded EP by Night Owl Committee was released 13 July, 2025 on ISNESS/Analogical Force
