Koushik creates psychedelically breezy folk-pop, but his main influence is '90s hip-hop. Of course, a Dilla comparison comes to mind, but the late indefatigable J never produced anything as ethereal as the soundscapes on Koushik's debut full-length. Edan shares a similar affinity for trippy flower beats, but his sound is rigid compared to the sultry smooth Koushik). Check this kid out if you fancy a dab of cool and dreamy with your funk, or vice-versa.

Although his debut EP was entitled Battle Times, Koushik makes some of the most sultry music you'll find in our hip-hop section. You may recognize Koushik's name as a member of the Stones Throw collective from one of his critically revered projects like the "Cold Beats" collaboration with legendary MC Percee P or his Madvillain remix record, but his unique sound is unlike the blunted beatsmiths he's liable to get bunched in with. He basically channels '60s psychedelic sunshine pop through Primo-inspired beats in a markedly trip-hop style, and he often interweaves his own mumble-pop vocals deep within the mix. On his first full-length, Out My Window, he has crafted some dense yet touching lullaby-esque tracks that feature ferocious breakbeats where the folk records he references would feature sorrow-laden guitar. The whole album seamlessly bounces from triumph to defeat to downright nonchalance without ever losing its air of boom bap. Present here are moments of the rawest funk, the most relaxing ambient, the densest electronica, and the most saccharine pop that you have heard or will hear in one place for a long time. A definite contender for debut album of the year.

- Max Gray (October 1, 2008)