Album of the Week: 'Chronicles of a Diamond' by Black Pumas

The sophomore slump can be a real thing. But there are definitely exceptions.

Black Pumas are out with their highly anticipated second album, Chronicles of a Diamond and have proved to be the exception.

Based in Austin, Texas, the band is led by Adrian Quesada (Grupo Fantasma) and Eric Burton.

Quesada has long been a central figure in the Austin music scene, connecting the Latin sounds he grew up with to music of today. His friend came across Burton busking on the streets and recommended him. Adrian called him, had him sing over the phone and knew immediately he had found his frontman for this new group.

The band's self-titled debut released in 2019 was mostly written before Burton got into the studio. His role was very different for Chronicles of a Diamond. He was greatly involved in the entire creative process and wrote most of the lyrics.

The album is funky and psychedelic with unexpected rhythm and key changes. Black Pumas have solidified themselves as one of THE soul bands of today with a blend of funk and psychedelia alongside Burton's rich vocals and mean falsetto.

Listen to KAXE all week to hear more from Chronicles of a Diamond.