Hello Reader,
Welcome back.
Today we’re going to delve into Bathe—the project of Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Devin Hobdy and guitarist-producer Corey Smith-West. The duo met while they were both attending the University of Pennsylvania while as Hobdy explained, “We went to college together, and I would see this guy with these long dreads carrying his bass around. I was like, ‘That guy’s dope, I wish I could be his friend.’ Then one day, I was tripping with some friends and we were all having a very bad time. Corey appeared out of nowhere like, ‘I got a song for y’all.’ He had us all on cloud nine, and I was like, ‘All right, I need this guy in my life.’”
Their respective Cuban and Afro-Caribbean roots heavily influenced both, and they used such inspiration to create some incredible music together, true to their experiences. Beyond their roots, Hobdy and Smith-West have also been influenced not only by the R&B greats and contemporaries but also by multiple genres, including but not limited to pop and rock. The resulting music Bathe has created has been defined as a variety of subgenres such as surf R&B, alt-R&B, soul, psych R&B, and subgenres in between. Don’t let me define them for you, though, take a listen for yourself. Along the way, enjoy how they craft hypnotic, psychedelic, smooth, and lighter, upbeat melodies that pair guitar riffs with darker, heady themes, with introspective, conscious, cerebral lyrics. In many ways, the music has an R&B base but a contemporary, modern soul. It’s genuinely a beautiful listening experience.
Their first album, I’ll Miss You, was released in 2019, followed by the album, Bicoastal (2021), and the EP, Inside Voice(s): Side A, which was released last year. Bicoastal hit huge with fans, garnering millions of streams and a tour for Bathe. From the album’s press release, Hobdy chimed in matter-of-factly saying, “Our heads can’t get too big because there’s a reality check around every corner.”
And now the follow-up, a new full album titled Inside Voice(s) is out Friday, March 21st, via MNRK Music for your listening pleasure. From the album’s press release, Hobdy and Smith-West explain that, “‘Inside Voices’ is our attempt to make sense of the noise around and inside of us. It contains the sounds of the hopes and joys that motivate us, as well as the fears and disappointments that tempt us to stay in bed. Writing this album forced us to sit with and come to terms with these voices, friendly and frightening, inside and out.”
Giving credit where it’s due. Inside Voice(s) album credits:
- Vocals, Producer: Devin Hobdy
- All instruments played by, Producer: Corey Smith-West
- Vocal production from Jake Aron (L’Rain, Snail Mail)
- mixing by Joe Visciano (SZA, Kendrick Lamar)
- mastering by Joe LaPorta (David Bowie, Beach House),
And now for some hype! The mundane office routine setting within the video for the song “Avalon” featured on Bathe’s YouTube channel:
(All credits and rights to Bathe)
Escaping the city for an adventure in the greenery within the video for the song, “Fields”:
(All credits and rights to Bathe)
A look inside, with the video from the song, “Here”:
(All credits and rights to Bathe)
Overall, Inside Voice(s) is another step forward for Hobdy and Smith-West. Showing growth as producers, songwriters, and composers. There’s plenty to like on this one. I think most listeners will love how the melodies and vocals are paired. Bathe is outstanding at pairing calm chords, splendid beats, and songs full of earworm melodies with lyrics about dissatisfied millennial angst, grief over loved ones, time, and the cyclical despair of communities that are underserved. Hobdy and Smith-West are better at many in doing so, and they’ll continue to get even more profound and refined as they move through life and share their experiences with those who listen.
“Badada” kicks off the album with the titular refrain as we enter the world of this album. The melody shifts into a darker yet expansive world with pinpoint beats that Hobdy drops lyrics on top of. It’s a peaceful vibe introduction to the rest of the album. The second song, “Avalon,” offers some earworm-worthy hooks and lyrics about the rat race that many undergo. While the lyrics are bleak at times, Hobdy’s vocal delivery has care, warmth, and plenty of soul to it. Which pairs well with Smith-West’s infectious groove of a melody. This song serves as a great introduction to Bathe and also as an example of the best of alt-R&B and the best of contemporary R&B in the 2020s.
“Furloughed” opens with some slick guitar picking and experiences a melodic shift that sounds like a dream sequence in terms of pacing and sound to the listener. Both shine in this song. The ticking beat that carries “Bad News” is matched with some exceptional guitar work by Smith-West again.
From the first beat and vocalization of “Fields,” it’s a gem of a song. Listener, you’ll be hooked, singing and grooving along. The melody moves fairly quickly at times, but it has the right amount of everything you want and need in a song. I’m sure one listen will be all it takes for you to agree. The next song, “Pieces,” starts with Hobdy’s vocals taking the front of the sound while Smith-West’s production beats are less of a focus than previous songs as they take a quieter tone. Just cause the tone is quieter doesn’t mean it’s not great in its own right. It once again pairs well with Hobdy’s lyrics and vocals; not the first nor the last time on this album. The song has a great fade out.
“Capsize” features a slow, back-and-forth percussion-driven beat that interlaces with Hobdy’s lyrics about someone at the end of one’s rope. The next song, after “Hosannas,” is Smith-West’s homage to his grandmother, who recently passed away. It also examines religion. A voicemail from her within the song adds a nice touch of humanity and makes the homage more touching.
“Heaven” comes out of the gate with ferocity in its melody. The vocal delivery matches the strain of the lyrics, which examine current life situations many face. This song is the most choral and full-sounding on the album so far. The next-to-last song on the album, “Here,” has a gorgeous production beat that enhances the forlorn, contemplative lyrics that examine what’s next. The crescendo to the outro was an excellent composition choice. And it sounds amazing. Kudos.
“Bby Boi” is the last song on the album, and its guitar work and melody provide a fitting end as the lyrics not only look back in reverence but also look forward. Both pair well together.
Inside Voice(s) gets 4 out of 5 Scum Drops from me. It’s a great release, above average, and probably will be one of the best 2025 releases in the R&B spectrum at the end of this year. For me, this release is in the 80th-83rd percentile of all new releases this year at this point in the year. This album further proves that Devin Hobdy and Corey Smith-West work spectacularly well together and have elevated their craftsmanship since their last release. The album is definitely worth adding to your collection on the format of your choice. I’d suggest that sweet looking vinyl so you can hear this music at the perfect volume and clarity via your turntable and speakers while you vibe around in your place. Digital won’t do it justice by itself.
Inside Voice(s) Track listing (song length)
- Badada (2:54)
- Avalon (3:23)
- Furloughed (2:39)
- Bad News (2:07)
- Fields (3:20)
- Pieces (2:24)
- Capsize (2:50)
- Hosannas (2:53)
- Heaven (3:19)
- Here (3:07)
- Bby Boi (2:55)
Total runtime: 31:51
I’ll always advocate that you take the time to listen to every album in its entirety. From start to finish, the listening process with Inside Voice(s) will take just over one half hour, just over an hour if you listen twice back-to-back. Along the way, you’ll discover your own favorite songs without the influence or bias of others. After a few listens on my own, I found the songs highlighted in green font above to be my favorite songs on this album.
Support them by getting some merch (cool vinyl and/or hats) here, checking out their site, and following Bathe on Instagram and Facebook.
Thank you for reading and supporting good music.
Until next time,
Alex
Scummy Water Tower Productions co-founder, reviewer, business manager, and editor. Thank you for visiting this site: scummywatertower.com, and YouTube for Water Tower Sessions!
Contact me: alex@scummywatertower.com
